The Good Stuff Practical Positive Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness

"The Good Stuff." It’ s the stuff that makes us feel whole – the respect, acceptance, security, and support that allow us to be our best selves. And it’ s the stuff every Direct Support Professional should provide when they serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental illness (MI). In this book, NADD brings together 20 experts in the field to build a framework for creating positive, person-centered supports for people with IDD/MI, using the latest evidence-based strategies. With a focus on whole-person wellness, "The Good Stuff" empowers anyone who cares for, works with, or loves someone with IDD/MI to honor their individual’ s unique needs and help them live their best possible life.

Uzama Price is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Jamaican expatriate. She is an integrated health consultant at Alliance Health Plan, a managed care organization in the state of North Carolina. In her role, she serves as the Point of Contact for Children with Complex Needs. Uzama completed her doctoral degree in education, in addition to completing a psychology program in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is currently earning her master’ s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. Uzama serves as co-chair for the NADD Dual Diagnosis Specialist Committee. Dr. Dan Baker is with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where he serves as the Positive Supports Specialist and Olmstead Agency Lead. Dr. Baker also provides clinical supervision for the Successful Life Project. Dr. Baker is involved with the design, development, and monitoring of treatment and intervention programs to align with positive supports, valued community life, and a person-centered culture. Dr. Baker’ s clinical focus is on positive supports, models of community and educational support, and mental wellness for persons with disabilities.

1. Making the Case for DSP Training 2. Wellness as an Organizing Principle for Supports 3. Therapeutic Interaction Strategies 4. Person-Centered Thinking 5. Relationship and Sexual Wellness: A Right, Not a Privilege 6. Cultural Aspects of the Biopsychosocial Approach 7. Working with Immigrant Populations: Culture and Resilience 8. Communicating for Success 9. Understanding the Criminal Justice System and Intellectual/Developmental Disability: Prevention, Intervention, and Positive Support 10. IDD Vulnerabilities and the Criminal Justice System 11. Mental Wellness and Positive Psychology: Meeting the Unique Needs 12. Clinical Skills for Direct Support Professionals 13. Biofeedback: Harmonizing the Brain and the Body for a Happier Life 14. Applications of ABA with Trauma-Informed Care and Dual Diagnosis