Stop Walking on Eggshells: Supporting People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co- Occurring Borderline Person

Course overview

It is not uncommon for mental health symptoms and disorders to be overlooked when supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) due to diagnostic overshadowing. Many times, the symptoms of borderline personality disorder in people with I/DD are labeled as behavioral by the mental health community and thus not given the proper treatment and supports to help the person manage their diagnoses. Successful treatment of borderline personality disorder is essential for the well-being of the person as well as increasing their chances at living successfully in a community setting of their choice. This presentation will provide an overview of Borderline Personality Disorder and its common presentation in people with I/DD as well as how to merge the five functions of effective dialectical behavior therapy within the framework of a positive behavior support plan. Real life strategies for supporting people with I/DD and co-occurring BPD are shared in the hopes of increasing the ability of community-based providers at keeping people safe and avoiding hospitalization and institutionalization. It is hoped this presentation will spark a larger conversation about supporting people with I/DD and co-occurring personality disorders and other serious and persistent mental illnesses in community-based settings.