Dyadic Developmental Practice and Intellectual Disability

Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) has evolved from a direct therapeutic model with children and adopted or foster parents, to a way of supporting interactions, deepening understanding and building relationships through mainstream attachment and trauma-focused work within children and family services. This book will be the first to offer DDP approaches and adaptations when supporting children and adults with an intellectual disability (ID). The authors outline the key concepts and frameworks used in DDP, illustrated through a range of case studies and practice examples. The book considers all elements of DDP including psychotherapy, parenting practices and PACE, as well as offering ways to draw on the DDP framework to enhance PBS-focused work within services. Including key resources developed for future training and supervision, Dyadic Developmental Practice and Intellectual Disability is written in an accessible style for health workers and social care staff.

NIC JONES is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years’ experience in NHS LD and adoption services, and now works as an independent practitioner focusing on relational or attachment-trauma work. She is a DDP Practitioner, Consultant and a PACE trainer. MARIELLE WILCOX is a clinical psychologist with 15 years’ experience in the NHS. She is the clinical lead of a new multi-disciplinary service for autistic children or those with a LD, integrating attachment and trauma-informed care into existing systemic and PBS frameworks to understand complex behaviours. CATHY HARDING is a consultant clinical psychologist who has worked for over 20 years in community, inpatient, and supported living services for adults with a learning disability. She actively seeks to integrate people’ s histories into their care, ensuring they receive relational, trauma-informed support.