The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. This edition focuses on lived experiences and emerging treatments and supports for people with mental health challenges, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“DHS is committed to making a future that truly includes individuals with mental health challenges, intellectual & developmental disabilities, and those with dual diagnoses as fully integrated members of our communities, “said Acting DHS Secretary Meg Snead. “The Wolf Administration remains committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have what they need so they can live their everyday lives, and I hope that the research and articles in this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal will help those working to achieve that goal.” 

This edition features research and articles on the following:

• Data Discoveries: This article outlines results from the 2018 Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment, detailing the co-occurring diagnoses that were identified among the population of Pennsylvanians with autism.
• The Intersection of Mental Health First Aid and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: This article details the training process and outcomes of Mental Health First Aid, an evidence-based course that provides basic first aid knowledge needed to recognize when someone is in a mental health crisis.
• Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Allegheny Department of Human Services START Pilot Partnership: Since spring 2021, Pennsylvania DHS and Allegheny County DHS have been working together on a three-year pilot program to better address the complex needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or acute behavioral health needs.
• A Conversation about Mental Health and Autism: This article is an interview with a person with lived experience discussing the gaps, challenges, and opportunities of supporting someone with an autism spectrum diagnosis and co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
• The Importance of Measuring Changes among Individuals Leaving Institution-Based Care: An Example from the Field:  This article details the transition process from an institutionalized setting to a community setting and the outcomes for individuals with autism.
• Exploring Misconceptions about Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions in Autistic People: An article by a board-certified autism specialist that draws on research and lived experience to conclude that mental health conditions in autistic people are a result of the society in which they live with autism, not autism itself.

The journal is a collaboration of DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and collects resources, observations, and advancements in mental and behavioral health in order to better serve people in their communities.

For more information visit www.dhs.pa.gov.