The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today released the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research for people with mental and behavioral health challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to help them live an everyday life. This edition focuses on trauma-informed research and the best practices that can be implemented in the most supportive ways possible.

“DHS works to ensure that Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism have the services and supports they need,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “We know that there is a higher prevalence of trauma among individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, and it is our hope that the research in this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal can help individuals and families find the resources they need to improve their everyday lives.”

The Shapiro Administration believes that every Pennsylvanian with intellectual disabilities and autism deserves to receive the supports they need to achieve an everyday life with dignity and opportunity to pursue their goals and live, work, and recreate among their families and peers. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget works to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism have access to the right services at the right time, while providing better care for our families and neighbors.

This edition of the Positive Approaches Journal features research and articles on the following:

• Data Discoveries details that while more research is needed, initial research suggest a higher prevalence of trauma among individuals with autism, which underscores the importance of trauma-informed care and resilience-building.
• The Importance of Place in Trauma-Informed Care: A Wellness Approach details how environments can play a role in trauma and how combining trauma-informed care with positive supports that focus on strengths and resilience can improve care for trauma-affected individuals.
• Understanding Complexity: The Convergence of Disability and Trauma in Clinical Practice provides practitioners with concise guidelines on diagnosing trauma, implementing trauma-informed care, and selecting trauma-specific treatments appropriate for individuals with disabilities.
• A Review of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Trauma Interventions details positive approaches in treating trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder, with the use of expressive interventions in individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or and behavioral health challenges.
• Key Elements of Trauma-Informed Care and Potential Misconceptions identifies key elements and potential misconceptions related to trauma-informed care.  
• Bridging Theory to Practice: Trauma Proficient Services for Youth with Autism and Developmental Disabilities highlights that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more likely to experience trauma than neurotypical children and details the resources available for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

The journal is a collaboration of DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It collects resources, observations, and advancements in mental and behavioral health in order to better serve people in their communities.

Read this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.

For more information visit www.dhs.pa.gov.