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Experiences of Maltreatment and Stressful Lives Events for Individuals Intellectual Disabilities and the Role of Trauma-Informed Care

April 9, 2025 from 1:15 pm to 2:35 pm

Individuals with disabilities face a high risk of experiencing stressful and traumatic events, including maltreatment, which adversely impact their wellbeing. In this symposium, we explore the experiences of maltreatment and stressful life events for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how teachers use trauma-informed practices to support children with disabilities in the classroom. The first study examines the characteristics of children with intellectual disabilities compared to those with other types of disabilities who were reported to child protective services, finding children with intellectual disabilities were more often previous victims of maltreatment, and underscoring the need for disability-informed care within the investigation process. The second study highlights associations between stressful life events and increased mental health risks in individuals with Down syndrome, suggesting a role for targeted support. The third study investigates early childhood educators’ trauma-informed attitudes and practices, revealing gaps that emphasize the need for enhanced trauma-related training. Together, these studies highlight trauma and maltreatment’s significant impact and the need for specialized interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Chair: Elizabeth Liffley, Michigan State University,

Discussant: Catherine Corr, University of Illinois

First Presentation: Comparing Characteristics of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Other Disabilities Involved in Investigated and Substantiated Cases of Maltreatment
Elizabeth Liffley, Michigan State University, Marisa H. Fisher, Michigan State University

Second Presentation: Prevalence of Stressful Life Events and Their Association with Mental Health Outcomes in Individuals with Down Syndrome
Ruth Brown, Virginia Commonwealth University, Elizabeth Liffley, Michigan State University
Timothy P. York, Virginia Commonwealth University
George Capone, John Hopkins University
Colleen Jackson-Cook, Virginia Commonwealth University
Ananda B. Amstadter, Virginia Commonwealth University

Third Presentation: Early Childhood Special Education Teachers’ Trauma-Informed Attitudes and Practices
Mia Chudzik, University of Illinois,