Interprofessional Case Review

8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. 

Registration and Coffee/Networking

8:30 a.m. -8:50 a.m.

Introduction

Holly E. Brown DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCS

Executive Director, Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing

Associate Professor, Wegmans School of Nursing

St. John Fisher University

Welcome, Background and Objectives

• Brief overview of the importance of addressing mental health in individuals with IDD.
• The role of the multidisciplinary team in providing holistic care for this population.
• Increase networking within the academic and clinical community around the topic of IDD/Mental Health

8:50 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.

Part 1: Understanding the Intersection of IDD and Mental Health 

1. Presentation: The Mental Health Landscape for Individuals with IDD 

• Prevalence of mental health disorders in individuals with IDD.
• Common mental health conditions in this population: depression, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, and behavior disorders.
• How IDD impacts the expression and experience of mental health disorders.

2. Discussion: Challenges in Diagnosis and Assessment 

• Understanding the unique presentation of mental health symptoms in individuals with IDD.
• Use of standardized diagnostic tools vs. clinical judgment.
• Barriers to accurate diagnosis (e.g., communication challenges, limited patient self-report).
• How to differentiate between behaviors related to IDD vs. mental health symptoms.

9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.

Part 2: Effective Assessment and Diagnosis 

1. Interactive Case Study: Diagnostic Challenges 

• Present a brief case study of a patient with both IDD and a mental health condition.
• Engage the audience to identify potential symptoms, differential diagnoses, and strategies for gathering relevant history.
• Highlight the role of caregivers and family in gathering comprehensive assessment information.

2. Panel Discussion: Tools and Strategies for Assessment 

• Content Experts (TBD) share assessment strategies and tools for working with this population.
• Discuss the importance of a collaborative approach: involving speech therapists, occupational therapists, and primary care providers in assessment.
• Tips for working with non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals.

9:55 a.m. -10:20 a.m.

Break 

Refreshments

10:20 a.m.– 11:10 a.m.

Part 3: Treatment Approaches and Interventions 

1. Presentation: Evidence-Based Interventions for Mental Health in IDD 

• Non-pharmacological interventions: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, social skills training, and other adapted therapeutic approaches.
• Overview of pharmacological treatments (e.g., atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants) and their use in individuals with IDD.
• The importance of adapting interventions to the individual's cognitive and communication abilities.

2. Panel Discussion: Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning 

• How to create a person-centered care plan that integrates multiple therapeutic approaches.
• Collaborating across disciplines to ensure holistic treatment (e.g., coordination between psychiatry, psychology, speech therapy, OT, and caregivers).
• The role of caregivers and family in the treatment process: training, support, and engagement.

3. Small group Discussion: Identifying Gaps in Care 

• Facilitate audience members to reflect on potential barriers to effective treatment in their own practice (e.g., lack of training, resources, or systemic challenges).
• Engage in a brief discussion about how to overcome these challenges.

11:10 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

Part 4: Case Review and Interactive Q&A 

1. Case Review: Complex Scenario Discussion 

• Present a complex case involving a person with IDD and a co-occurring mental health disorder (e.g., a child with autism and anxiety).
• Encourage multidisciplinary groups (breakout groups or audience voting) to suggest interventions, resources, and practical considerations.
• Discuss how the treatment plan might differ depending on the age, functional level, and support needs of the individual.

2. Q&A and Open Discussion

• Open the floor for questions from the audience.
• Encourage discussion on challenges the audience faces in treating this population and share practical tips for overcoming them.
• Highlight any emerging trends in research or treatment.

11:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Conclusion and Wrap-up 

• Summarize key takeaways from the session.
• Provide resources for further learning (websites, books, upcoming conferences, etc.).
• Thank the panelists and audience for their participation.