The Impact of Trauma on People with Developmental Disabilities: A Positive Systems Approach

Trauma can have profound effects on individuals, and this is especially true for those with developmental disabilities. Many people in this community have experienced significant trauma, which often manifests in challenging behaviours. Understanding and addressing these behaviours requires a compassionate and informed approach, such as the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) described in the book "Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach."  Below is a brief synopsis from the book in the section on Trauma: 

Understanding Trauma in People with Developmental Disabilities

Extensive research has highlighted several key ways trauma impacts behaviour, particularly for individuals with developmental disabilities. Here are some of the primary effects:

1. Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Individuals may exhibit aggressive, anxious, or self-injurious behaviour when they perceive threats or triggers. This heightened state of alertness is often a response to past traumatic events.

2. Avoidance and Withdrawal: To avoid re-experiencing trauma, individuals might go out of their way to avoid certain people, places, or events. This can severely limit their participation in daily activities and social interactions.

3. Flashbacks: Traumatic flashbacks can be particularly distressing, causing individuals to relive past events vividly. This can lead to severe agitation and disruptive behaviour, which is challenging to identify and manage, especially in non-verbal individuals.

4. Dysregulation: Trauma can lead to extreme mood swings, anger outbursts, and emotional numbness. Communication deficits can further complicate the expression and management of these emotions.

5. Cognitive Changes: Trauma often affects concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities. It can also result in mistrust of others and negative self-perception.

6. Self-Destruction: Some individuals may engage in self-harm as a maladaptive coping mechanism. This behaviour could be a response to medication side effects or neurological factors related to trauma.

7. Relationship Problems: Due to a lack of trust, individuals may struggle with forming attachments and might experience separation anxiety or sabotage relationships.
   

The Positive Systems Approach in Action

The PSA framework emphasizes understanding the environmental and systemic factors contributing to an individual's behaviour. This approach is exemplified in the case of "Jane," a 40-year-old woman with limited verbal skills who exhibited severe behavioural outbursts, often when supported by male staff members. A thorough functional analysis and extensive interviews revealed a history of sexual abuse by a male farmhand during Jane's teenage years. This traumatic experience was the key to understanding her current behaviour.

Through PSA, several critical steps were taken:

• Environmental Modification: Jane was moved to a living environment without male residents and was supported exclusively by female staff. This immediate change led to a significant reduction in her outbursts.

• Coping and Communication Skills: Jane's support team focused on improving her ability to communicate her feelings and taught her coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing and positive self-talk. This helped her manage anxiety and reduce disruptive behaviours.

• Building Trust: Once Jane settled into her new environment and developed a trusting relationship with her female support team, she became more verbal and capable of expressing her needs and feelings.
  

Conclusion

The Positive Systems Approach provides a comprehensive and empathetic framework for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities who have experienced trauma. By considering environmental, systemic, and personal factors, PSA helps create supportive and safe environments where individuals can heal and thrive. Jane's story is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, demonstrating how tailored interventions can lead to dramatic improvements in behaviour and overall well-being.

Understanding and addressing trauma in individuals with developmental disabilities requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to explore the deeper causes of behaviour. With approaches like PSA, we can make meaningful strides in supporting this vulnerable population, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.