1. Empowering People with Autism to Develop, Nurture, and Sustain Healthy and Meaningful Relationships
Scott J. Modell, Ph.D.
Deputy Commissioner
Rebekah A. Wood, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Director, Protection from Harm
Michelle Ojima
Deputy Director, Office of Policy and Innovation
State of Tennessee
Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2. Department of intellectual and developmental disabilities
State of Tennessee

3. TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
MISSION Through 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.

4. 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

5. Studies Show
Factors which significantly contribute to life satisfaction for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Social support
Interpersonal skills
Meaningful social interactions
Quality
Quantity

6. 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

7. Healthy and Meaningful Relationships

8. Types of Relationships
Acquaintance
Family
Friend
Romantic
Professionals/Direct Support Staff

9. 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

10. Meaningful Relationships
Significant
Important
Purposeful
Worthwhile
Relevant

11. Benefits of Having Healthy and Meaningful Relationships
Increased happiness
Increased emotional health
Increased physical health
Reduced stress

12. Unhealthy Relationships

13. Indicators of an Unhealthy Relationship
Unfulfilling
Draining
Threatening
Filled with Angst
Excessive Drama
Unequal Give and Take
Status quo

14. 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

15. What about sexuality?

16. “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

17. Healthy Sexuality Enjoy behavior without guilt, fear, or shame
Wide range of possibilities
Enriches lives
Positive

18. 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

19. How to Develop, Nurture, and Sustain Healthy and Meaningful Relationships

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

21. Develop, Nurture, and Sustain Meaningful Relationships
Collaborate
Family members
Direct support staff
Clinicians/professional staff
Identify
the desired outcome
potential barriers
strategy to overcome

22. 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

23. Develop, Nurture, and Sustain Meaningful Relationships
Develop and work to continually improve
Awareness of social cues
Interpersonal skills
Assertiveness

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

25. Barriers and Challenges

26. BARRIERS Laws Policy Actions Interpretation Non-existent
Learn and seek clarity
Increase awareness / education

27. Question and Answer

28. Contact Information
Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
State of Tennessee
Scott J. Modell, Ph.D.
Deputy Commissioner
Rebekah A. Wood, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Director, Protection from Harm
Michelle Ojima
Deputy Director, Office of Policy and Innovation