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Hello all - this is my first time posting. I work for an organization that provides residential placement for individuals with developmental and mental health disorders. One individuals that we've been having particular challenges with has a significant history of trauma; mainly in the form of neglect. He is very young and was given up by his biological parents and now that he's 18, his foster parents also want nothing to do with him. He's had several placements within a short period of time. Anyway, he lives in group home with 5 other individuals and also has a diagnosis of Autism. He is verbally aggressive and makes threats of physical aggression against staff and roommates. His current setting may not be the best fit, but moving could also add to his trauma. Does anyone have any resources, tools, or anything to support the staff working with him? He just started therapy, and sees a psychiatrist that isn't helpful. Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks!

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Look into TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention). It was developed by Karyn Purvis out of Texas Christian University. It's a set of practical applications to working with Foster youth. The primary goal is to help build trust as the Foster program can be great at taking away a kids ability to trust anyone. I've heard they are great at answering emails etc so you could ask about it's application with an individual with autism. https://child.tcu.edu/about-us...sthash.7QtMBWz0.dpbs

There are numerous resources on the NADD (formerly National Association for the Dually Diagnosed) website.  These resources are specific to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health/behavioral challenges.  The DM-ID-2 is the IDD version of the DSM-5 and provides guidance on assessing and diagnosing mental health issues in individuals with IDD.  Dr. Karyn Harvey has publications related to trauma in individuals with IDD.  I also suggest Dr. Ross Greene's work related to "explosive" children as well as the work of Dr. Bruce Perry of the Child Trauma Institute.  Understanding how trauma affects the brain, and the interventions appropriate to this, was an important step in helping the individuals with whom I work on a daily basis.    

4thing NF  

Neuroptimal is an idiot-proof form of neurofeedback -- and a good beginning.  A machine costs 10K but cn be used infinitely.  It is rentable for about $2K.  In my town NF sessions are covered by MediCal through a CBT therapist who does it.  It is great for overall calming.  

My CASA youth turned her whole ship around after neurofeedback.  It helps with self regulation.  It helps with insight.  She used to dissociate prior to NF and that ended after.

Very non shaming... that your brain can adjust itself when given feedback about its own activity....

DeAnna Dertz posted:

Hello all - this is my first time posting. I work for an organization that provides residential placement for individuals with developmental and mental health disorders. One individuals that we've been having particular challenges with has a significant history of trauma; mainly in the form of neglect. He is very young and was given up by his biological parents and now that he's 18, his foster parents also want nothing to do with him. He's had several placements within a short period of time. Anyway, he lives in group home with 5 other individuals and also has a diagnosis of Autism. He is verbally aggressive and makes threats of physical aggression against staff and roommates. His current setting may not be the best fit, but moving could also add to his trauma. Does anyone have any resources, tools, or anything to support the staff working with him? He just started therapy, and sees a psychiatrist that isn't helpful. Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks!

Check out the blog from the program and class I teach in MN for students in grades 7-12.  http://reachstewartville.blogspot.com

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