Social inclusion of children and young people with an intellectual and developmental disability considering well-being and resilience for parents and professionals

There have been major improvements in the education and health and social care and support of children and adults with disabilities over recent decades, with a focus on equality and inclusion. There have been many developments in the education, care and support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including children and young adults. These developments have resulted in the increased visibility of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as equal members of society. Yet despite the positive and necessary developments in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, challenges regarding their social inclusion within society continue.

The aim of this Erasmus+ project is to draw together international and national resources that will assist educators in education, health, social care and other disciplines to plan and develop the content of education programmes. include and reflects the needs of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experiencing mental health concerns and behaviours that challenge services. 8 universities from 6 countries take part in supporting professionals and parents working with children and young adults with IDD providing resources and practice-based knowledge to enhance the well-being and resilience of thereof.

As a result of developments in medical technology and improvements in health and social care services, the number of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is increasing, with rising life expectancy. There is therefore a growing population of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many with ‘complex’ needs living into adulthood. Changes and developments in policies, aimed at supporting the equal inclusion of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have brought about equal rights to education, community inclusion and participation within wider society. Yet for some children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly those with the most challenging and complex education, care and support needs, there remain challenges to enabling their social inclusion within society. Many children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex needs have, for example, physical, mental health and behavioural needs. Physical health conditions are common and require access to the full range of health services to meet their needs. There is an increasing number of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with mental health concerns and behaviours that challenge services. As a consequence of their additional needs, many of these children and young adults require access and support from specialists in education, health and social care. To ensure their needs are effectively identified and addressed now and, in the future, there is a need for professionals from education, health and social care services to work together.