March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the experiences, strengths, and mental health needs of individuals with developmental disabilities—especially children and families across Ohio. Individuals with developmental disabilities experience mental health challenges at equal or higher rates than the general population. Yet these needs are often overlooked or misinterpreted as “behavior,” delaying access to appropriate mental and behavioral health services. Mental Health Challenges in Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Mental health concerns may present differently and are not always easily recognized. Common signs include: • Anxiety, which may appear as avoidance, shutdown, or an increased need for reassurance • Depression, showing up as irritability, loss of interest, or regression in skills • Trauma responses, often mistaken for defiance, noncompliance, or acting out How to Support Mental Health for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Effective, inclusive care starts with understanding and flexibility: • View behavior as communication, not noncompliance • Adjust expectations while maintaining empathy and respect • Use clear language, visual supports, and predictable routines • Validate feelings, even when boundaries are necessary Inclusion Means Access to the Right Support True inclusion is an equity issue. It means ensuring mental health care fits the individual, rather than expecting the individual to adapt to systems that weren’t designed for them. Person‑centered, accessible services lead to stronger emotional, social, and academic outcomes. School‑Based Behavioral Health Support in Ohio Necco’s Ohio school‑based behavioral health providers offer discreet counseling services in familiar settings - at school or in the home - helping children feel comfortable while receiving the care they need. 👉 Visit cbh.necco.org to schedule a consultation and learn more about behavioral health services for children in Ohio.
