1. Developmental Disabilities
CIT / CIP Training
Developmental Disabilities

2. Characteristics A Severe, chronic disability a person has which:
Is due to mental or physical impairment or a combination
Limits function in 7 specified areas:
Self care
Receptive and expressive language
Learning
Mobility
Self-direction
Capacity for independent living
Economic self-sufficiency
Severe & Chronic, but onset before age 22
Is likely to continue for the persons entire life.

3. Types of Disabilities Cerebral Palsy Brain injury - TBI Epilepsy
Other neurological conditions similar to cognitive disabilities and not related to mental illness, AODA, Dementia, etc
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Visual impairment
Deaf

4. Developmental Disability vs Cognitive Disability
Developmental Disability includes both cognitive and physical disabilities
May stem from the same disorder such as Down Syndrome or may be a combination of disorders
Cognitive/Intellectual Disability is based on IQ and mental functioning
May stem from nonphysical causes

5. Causes of Developmental Disabilities
Genetic
Problems during pregnancy
Alcohol or drug use
Disease
Malnutrition
Environmental toxins
Problems at birth
Prematurity
Low birth weight
Oxygen deprivation
Birth injury
20% of cerebral palsy due to birth injury
70% due to brain trauma intra-uterine

6. Causes continued….. Problems after Birth Childhood diseases
Traumatic Brain Injury
Environmental toxins
Poverty

7. Comorbidity (Dual Diagnosis)
People with developmental disabilities are more likely to have:
Anxiety disorders
OCD
Seizure Disorders
AD/HD
Depression
Other psychiatric disorders

8. Impact Research estimates people with disabilities:
Have 4-10 times increase risk of becoming victims of crime
Constitute 4-10% of the prison population (higher in juvenile facilities and jails)
Make up between 10-20% of calls to police
7 times more contact with police than members of the general public
Much more likely to be a crime victim

9. Common Calls Sexual Assault Suicidal Attempts or Gestures
Aggressive Behaviors
Physical Violence either towards the person with the disability or by them
Theft/robbery or assumed attempts

10. Common Issues faced by First Responders
Communication
Limited vocabulary or speech impairment
Difficulty understanding or answering
Short attention span, easily confused
Behavior
Inappropriate with peers, opposite sex, officers
Easily influenced by others
Easily frustrated and show it
Difficulty with concepts
Reading and writing
Transitioning
Time

11. Strategies to Consider
Look for Clues
Watch behaviors
Talk to caregivers or others who know the individual
Modify language
Model calm body language
Model behavior you want them to display
Be aware of sensory issues and limits
Control noise, flashing lights, crowds or multiple people speaking as much as possible.

12. How to Modify Your Language
Speak directly to the person
Keep sentences short
Use simple language
Speak slowly, clearly and calmly
Use active and reflective listening. “Repeat what I explained to You” vs. “Did you understand what I said?”
Ask for concrete descriptions and reflect back statements
Avoid slang
Recognize & accept inappropriate personal boundaries. Calmly explain what is acceptable
Take time giving or asking for information
Avoid confusing questions about reasons or behavior. The answer may really be “I don’t know.”

13. AUTISM Specific issues to consider related to Autism Spectrum Disorder
This is the quickest growing Developmental Disorder
Estimates that as of 2014, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed
1 in 42 boys
1 in 169 girls
CDC estimates 1 in year old children have a form of Autism
WI sees a higher than average number of cases
Funding for services better here than most states

14. Things to Consider with ASD
Difficulties with social interactions
Limited or no eye contact
Struggle or do not understand nonverbal cues
Limited friendships/ preference to be alone
Difficulty with personal boundaries
Difficulty with language/communication
May repeat noises, questions, statements multiple times
May have good verbal skills but 40% of children with ASD do not talk at all

15. Considerations, cont.
Sensory integration issues: hand flapping, spinning
Unusual, limited interests: vacuum, piano, toy cars
Very black and white thinking: desire sameness, argumentative when and issue is identified as unfair
Have tantrums: extreme emotional responses or violent behavior ( generally due to a trigger)

16. Issues for First Responders
Persons with ASD may:
Inappropriately approach or run toward officers
Resist medical procedures or re-enter dangerous environments
Become upset with change to routine
Trigger a medical event (40% seizure prone)
Not able to understand verbal commands, slang or multi step directions

17. Tips for interactions Maintain safe distance Talk calmly and softly
Explain who you are
Avoid slang
Allow for slow response
Avoid touch
Use slow gestures (avoid rapid pointing or waving)
Observe for medical alert tags
Model calm body language
Model behavior you want to see
Manage the sensory climate (sirens, radios, crowds)
Seek assistance from others on scene who know the individual
Use geographic containment
Evaluate for injury: person may not show pain

18. Tips, cont. Let the individual take the lead
Use fill in the blank questioning
Don’t interfere with their environment. Assure safety but allow time for person to acclimate to what is happening
Don’t expect eye contact and don’t force it
Personal space is relative –be prepared
Don’t interfere with stimming behaviors. Watch and be aware of escalation