Mood Disorders and Developmental Disability: Barriers to Academic Success

Morrison, DR (David)¹, Morrison, CM (Christopher)², Cabrera, JC (Jeanette)^3
1Azusa Pacific University, 701 E. Foothill, Blvd, 91702, Azusa, California
²Westside Behavioral Group, 1340 E Route 66, Ste. 107, 91740, Glendora, California
³College Connect, 1340 E Route 66, Ste. 107, 91740, Glendora, California

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Room 118, 12-07-2019, 11:00 - 12:30

Keywords

Autism, Depression, Anxiety, College, Disability, Empowerment, Support

Summary

 

The intention behind this proposal is to add to the growing conversation of mental health concerns related to autism and other developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities complicate how we both assess; treat, and case manage clients with co-occurring disorders. Additionally, college age clients and college counseling centers are reporting higher rates of severity and chronicity of various mental health concerns. Taken together, those with autism and developmental disabilities enrolled in college are likely to face an exacerbation of either premorbid mental health conditions or the development of prodromal symptoms of various mental health concerns. In an effort to further articulate and better understand the challenges these students face, mental health assessments were administered to a cohort of students to investigate their mental health needs. The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered to identify broad mood disorders and to open up a conversation with counselors and students about mental health concerns and the impact on their socioemotional and academic goals. Results will be discussed and presented to help counselors and educators increase awareness of mental health needs and better understand the complexity of challenges students with disabilities face.

Auteurs