Disability and mental health
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or brain injury have the same mental health needs as anyone, and deserve care that understands them.
Why it matters
Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common among people with disabilities, but they are often missed or blamed on the disability. A change in behavior can be a sign of pain, illness, or emotional distress.
Finding the right care
- Ask providers about their experience with IDD, autism, or brain injury.
- Look for clinicians trained through NADD, which focuses on mental health and IDD.
- Ask for accommodations: longer visits, plain language, visual supports, or a support person in the room.
- Search for care on the Atlas, or start at IDD Atlas.
Crisis care
Some states have START programs, crisis services built for people with IDD and their families. Learn about START. You can always call or text 988.
More help
- Health and wellbeing on IDD Atlas, with a calm-down toolkit.
- Crisis help on IDD Atlas.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Programs, phone lines, and rules change. Check with the program named on this page. Report outdated or wrong information.