Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Adults with intellectual disabilities can often have their views and needs overlooked and are frequently not sufficiently involved in their own care or behaviour support plans. The central focus on values in ACT helps people identify what matters to them, allowing the practitioner to instead truly support the values-based goals of the individual with intellectual disability. This first-of-its kind guide adapts an ACT model to ensure a meaningful, person-centered therapeutic approach for this group. Readers are supported to understand the lifelong impact of cognitive difficulties, including trouble regulating or understanding feelings and distress from disability related trauma. With case studies, advice on session structure and ideas for exercises, this guide contains a wealth of resources for practitioners, supporters and wider networks.

Adults with intellectual disabilities can often have their views and needs overlooked and are frequently not sufficiently involved in their own care or behaviour support plans. The central focus on values in ACT helps people identify what matters to them, allowing the practitioner to instead truly support the values-based goals of the individual with intellectual disability. This first-of-its kind guide adapts an ACT model to ensure a meaningful, person-centered therapeutic approach for this group. Readers are supported to understand the lifelong impact of cognitive difficulties, including trouble regulating or understanding feelings and distress from disability related trauma. With case studies, advice on session structure and ideas for exercises, this guide contains a wealth of resources for practitioners, supporters and wider networks.