Question for those who assists/takes care of people with intellectual disabilities (age between 17-30)..?

Question

1. in what concrete way do you help them gain dignity?

2. do you let them decide on their own or you decide for them? (how do you know where to draw the line?)

3. is it ok to treat them or talk to them like children?

4. is it ok to be strict or disciplinarian at them?

5. how much freedom should we give them?

also, if you have other things to say (tips, reminders, etc) please do so.. thanks a lot!

Answer 1

1.  I try to empower my clients to make decisions for themselves and help them to live in the least restrictive environment possible.

2.  I try to let them decide.  Some clients need more assistance than others in making appropriate decisions.  It really depends upon the level of functioning.  I would draw the line if a decision is unsafe.  Most times if something is not appropriate at the time I try to help them see it as a long term goals and set up mini-goals to hep them achieve the bigger goal.

3.  Not unless they are children (a 17 year old is still a child in my mind)

4.   Depends upon what they are doing.  If they are going to put thier hand on a hat stove, well then yeah I will be strict.  As said above, I maintain the least restictive environment.

5.  Again, this really depends on the level of functioning.

Patience!  Start with looking at the function of a behavior.  Develop your interventions around that.  Treat every person as an individual.  No two treatment plans will be the same because no two people are the same.  Encourage indepence.  Don't shoot down a lofty goal just because it won't be acchieved in a day or a week or even a month.