Systems & Workforce
Treatment approaches, behavior supports, outcomes.
SUD Treatment Approaches & Recovery Models
Holistic, individualized care approaches for individuals with co-occurring SUD and IDD/A—adapted to meet cognitive and communication needs.
🎯 Evidence-Based Models for IDD/A + SUD
The following models have published manuals or adaptable protocols for people with SUD who also have IDD/A. Research at this intersection is still developing, but several models have shown promise in clinical practice.
🎭 Role Play Activities
Role Play 1
🧩 Common Supports and Services
💬 Communication Supports
🔑 Effective communication is foundational for preventing and reducing challenging behavior (demanding, avoidance, attention seeking). Supports must align with a person's expressive and receptive language abilities.
⚖️ Common Ethical Tensions
🚧 Common Barriers to Collaboration
A. Fragmented Funding and Eligibility ▼
Building a Responsive System of Care
A responsive system is built every day — in policy, in supervision, in how risk is understood, and in how systems collaborate.