Michelle S. Ballan

Parental Perspectives of Communication about Sexuality in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

To explore the content of communication about sexuality between parents and children with autism spectrum disorders, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 parents of children ages 6–13. Content analysis and ethnographic summary were used to interpret the data. Findings suggest that parent’s perceptions of a child’s behaviors and comprehension are associated with the likelihood that communication occurs. However, parents recognize the risks their children experience, with the greatest fears being sexual victimization and misperceptions related to the intent of their child’s behaviors. This study provides information on the nature of communication about sexuality in families of children with autism spectrum disorders and can help tailor interventions aimed at assisting parents to communicate sexuality information effectively.

Self-Defense Among Women With Disabilities: An Unexplored Domain in Domestic Violence Cases

Women with disabilities are frequent victims of domestic violence, yet scant research has examined self-protective mechanisms that could mitigate this abuse. This article reviews prevalence and types of intimate partner violence against women with disabilities and explores the factors that leave this population at higher risk for abuse than nondisabled women. Barriers to self-protection against domestic violence for women with diverse disabilities are highlighted and the use of nonfatal force as self-defense is explored. A case example and considerations for enhancing self-protection strategies for women with disabilities experiencing intimate partner violence are provided.

Strengthening Grief Support for Children with Developmental Disabilities.

Although a sizable literature investigates and describes children’s grief, the majority of information focuses on typically developing children. Far less has been published about the loss and grief of children with developmental disabilities (DD), even though this population experiences significant and multiple losses, increasing their vulnerability to negative outcomes. Addressing this gap in scholarship, this article explicates common losses and important grief-related challenges experienced by children with DD. An overview of practice guidelines is provided to enhance the efforts of school-based mental health professionals in supporting this vulnerable population.

Looking Beyond Prevalence A Demographic Profile of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence With Disabilities

The abuse of individuals with disabilities is a widespread problem that has received minimal attention in scholarly research on intimate partner violence (IPV). As a result, the literature offers neither a general demographic profile of IPV survivors with disabilities nor an examination of the relationships between IPV and individuals with specific types of disabilities. This article addresses these gaps by reporting the results of a retrospective case study review of 886 client files, covering an 8-year service period in a non-residential domestic violence disability program. The study examined key demographics along with familial, social, and contextual aspects of IPV among women with disabilities, and provides crucial information for service providers who must understand the multifaceted and unique needs of survivors. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to abuse-related outcomes and corresponding best practices with this population.

Is there concordance in attitudes and beliefs between parents and scientists about autism spectrum disorder

There is no reported investigation comparing concordance in attitudes and beliefs about autism spectrum disorder between parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and scientists who research autism spectrum disorder. To investigate the level of concordance between these groups on causes of autism, priorities of research, perceived stigma, and disclosure of genetic test results, telephone interviews were conducted. Parents (n = 502) were recruited from the Simons Simplex Collection, and research scientists (n = 60) were recruited from investigators funded by the Simons Foundation. Response rates were notable (parents 91%, scientists 80%). Parents and scientists differed significantly regarding beliefs of the likely major cause of autism (p = 0.007) and priorities for further research (p < 0.001). Scientists believed in genetic causes while many parents believed in vaccines as the cause of autism. Parents (37%) were more likely to hesitate vaccinating their child (p < 0.001). In contrast, there was strong concordance regarding extent of perceived stigma (95% vs 92%) and preferences for disclosure of genetic test results, including incidental findings. While scientists believed communication important, paradoxically fewer than half reported it important for scientists to communicate directly with parents. Better communication between parents and scientists should improve mutual understanding and ultimately the health and well-being of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Intellectual disability and mental health: is psychology prepared?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold: to document the relationship between intellectual disability (ID) and psychopathology; to raise awareness of the ongoing lag in professional training for psychologists in the area of mental health treatment for people with intellectual disabilities; and, to provide recommendations for advancing professional education and, ultimately, adequate mental health treatment availability for people with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature on prevalence of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities. At the same time, the paper reviews the training of psychologists relative to the burgeoning growth in awareness of the mental health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Findings – The paper concludes that ID is a significant risk factor for psychopathology. In addition, the paper concludes that the education of psychologists regarding the mental health needs of people with intellectua...

The Social Model: A Lens for Counseling Transgender Individuals with Disabilities

Transgender individuals who are disabled represent a diverse cultural minority with a rich layer of unmet clinical service needs related to discrimination and oppression in various contexts. This article will review the unique experiences of trans-disabled persons who must manage multiple identities while navigating numerous attitudinal and structural barriers. A multipronged model of working effectively with trans-disabled individuals is proposed to train mental health professionals to (a) examine the stages of trans-disabled identity formation, (b) utilize the social model as a theoretical framework to identify and address societal barriers for trans-disabled clients, and (c) deliver trans-disability affirmative therapy.

The sexuality of young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A neglected focus in the American foster care system

Youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are overrepresented in the American foster care system and experience heightened rates of pregnancy compared to their nondisabled peers. Yet limited information is known about sexually active or pregnant young women with ID/DD in foster care. Consequently, important healthcare needs of this population are not adequately addressed. This article explores sexuality education and sexual healthcare for female adolescents in foster care with ID/DD and recommends practice guidelines to support and prepare their emergent sexual development.

Intimate Partner Violence Among Help-Seeking Deaf Women: An Empirical Study

Deaf women face heightened rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with hearing women, yet limited research has focused on IPV among this population. Empirical studies are warranted to examine the unique experiences and resource needs of Deaf women, along with barriers excluding Deaf participants from IPV research and service provision. Our study addresses these gaps by providing a profile of 80 Deaf women attending an IPV program serving individuals with disabilities. Demographic and psychosocial characteristics, referral channels that led women to the program, and services sought post-referral are discussed to help guide best practices with Deaf survivors of IPV.

Supporting female survivors of intimate partner violence with disabilities: Recommendations for social workers in the emergency department

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem with grave consequences. Women with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups disproportionately affected, with higher IPV rates than either women without disabilities or men with disabilities. The emergency department (ED) in particular affords a gateway into health services for female survivors of IPV, placing ED social workers in a prime position to observe potential signs of IPV and connect survivors to further assistance. This article explores the critical role ED social workers can fill in addressing the needs of female survivors of IPV with disabilities. We begin by providing background on the characteristics of IPV among women with disabilities, followed by a discussion of the opportunities and challenges inherent to assessing and intervening with survivors. We conclude by outlining recommendations for working with female survivors of IPV with disabilities in EDs, using our previous research on the topic as a guide.