An interdisciplinary exploration of the treatment gap in self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

This is an exploratory multi-paper dissertation on the topic of treatment access for self-injurious behavior (SIB) in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In the introduction I orient the reader to the relevant history of science and methodological approach. Then, in three papers I harness the power of experiential knowledge and interdisciplinarity through reflexive thematic analysis and knowledge translation. In Paper 1, A qualitative analysis of family caregiver experiences accessing treatment for self-injurious behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I explore the experiences of family caregivers interacting with providers to access treatment for SIB in IDD and present a working model of treatment pathways. In Paper 2, Interdisciplinarity and self-injury: Toward an inclusive research and treatment paradigm, I explore the possibility of an interdisciplinary study of self-injury in individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Paper 3, Stakeholder beliefs: An interdisciplinary exploration of the treatment gap in self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities, I consider the specific role of the beliefs of caregivers, researchers, and clinicians in treatment access. I conclude with a synthesis of the three papers, their shared contribution, implications for research and practice, limitations, and future directions.