S C O T T J . M O D E L L , P H . D .D E P U T Y C O M M I S S I O N E R

R E B E K A H A . W O O D , P H . D . , B C B A - DD I R E C T O R , P R O T E C T I O N F R O M H A R M

M I C H E L L E O J I M AD E P U T Y D I R E C T O R , O F F I C E O F P O L I C Y A N D I N N O V A T I O N

S T A T E O F T E N N E S S E ED E P A R T M E N T O F I N T E L L E C T U A L A N D D E V E L O P M E N T A L D I S A B I L I T I E S

EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH AUTISM TO DEVELOP, NURTURE, AND SUSTAIN HEALTHY

AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

S TAT E O F T E N N E S S E E

DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

TN DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

MISSIONThrough person-centered practices, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience optimal health as a cornerstone for quality of life.DIDD provides leadership and direction in a service delivery system that offers a continuum of services and supports so that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be gainfully employed to their maximum ability, live in quality homes, develop meaningful relationships, and are part of the community in which they live.

QUALITY OF LIFE

“Quality of life is a broad concept that consists of the individual’s perception of his or her physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal values and beliefs, and interaction with the environment.”

-Skevington et al. 2004

STUDIES SHOW

• Factors which significantly contribute to life satisfaction for individuals with intellectual disabilities• Social support• Interpersonal skills

• Meaningful social interactions• Quality• Quantity

PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING

“The purpose of person-centered planning is to develop collaborative, goal-oriented, and individualized programs that are focused on community presence, community participation, positive relationships, respect, and competence.”

-Claes et al. 2010

HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS

• Acquaintance

• Family

• Friend

• Romantic

• Professionals/Direct Support Staff

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• Include:• Respect• Sharing• Trust• Accountability• Honesty

• Based on the beliefs• Both partners are equal• Behavior that promotes emotional safety

• Allows for• Maintenance of individuality• Influence personal growth

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

• Significant

• Important

• Purposeful

• Worthwhile

• Relevant

BENEFITS OF HAVING HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

• Increased happiness

• Increased emotional health

• Increased physical health

• Reduced stress

UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

INDICATORS OF AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

• Unfulfilling• Draining• Threatening• Filled with Angst• Excessive Drama• Unequal Give and Take• Status quo

CONSEQUENCES OF UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• Feelings of:• Powerlessness• Guilt• Shame• Loss of control• Isolation

• Having:• Flashbacks and nightmares• Physical symptoms• Psychological and emotional issues

• Engaging in:• Self-destructive behaviors

WHAT ABOUT SEXUALITY?

“Sexuality is a central aspect of what it means to be human and is inextricably linked to a person’s overall health and well-being.”

–Pownall, Jahoda, & Hastings, 2012

HEALTHY SEXUALITY

• Enjoy behavior without guilt, fear, or shame

• Wide range of possibilities

• Enriches lives

• Positive

STUDIES SHOW

• People with intellectual disabilities have:

• Relatively low level of knowledge about sexuality

• Less experience with dating, intimacy and sexual interaction

• Fewer opportunities to learn about sexuality

HOW TO DEVELOP, NURTURE, AND SUSTAIN HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL

RELATIONSHIPS

EMPOWERMENT

Helping others do what they want instead of making them do what we want.

DEVELOP, NURTURE, AND SUSTAIN MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

• Collaborate• Family members• Direct support staff• Clinicians/professional staff

• Identify• the desired outcome• potential barriers• strategy to overcome

DEVELOP, NURTURE, AND SUSTAIN MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

• Re-inventing the wheel is not necessary

• Create opportunities for practice

• Continually• Keep as a central focus• Work towards growth• Remember it is a process

DEVELOP, NURTURE, AND SUSTAIN MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop and work to continually improve

• Awareness of social cues

• Interpersonal skills

• Assertiveness

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”

-Helen Keller

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES

BARRIERS

• Laws• Interpretation

• Policy• Non-existent• Interpretation

• Actions• Learn and seek clarity• Increase awareness /

education

QUESTION AND ANSWER

CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesState of Tennessee

Scott J. Modell, Ph.D.Deputy Commissionerscott.modell@tn.gov

Rebekah A. Wood, Ph.D., BCBA-DDirector, Protection from Harmrebekah.a.thomas@tn.gov

Michelle OjimaDeputy Director, Office of Policy and Innovationmichelle.ojima@tn.gov