Facing Your Fears: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

What is FYF:IDD?

FYF:IDD is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program adapted from FYF to meet the diverse learning and communication needs of adolescents with intellectual disabilities and autism between the ages of 12-18. All CBT components are introduced via activities, modeling (live and video), and with accompanying visual supports so that adolescents of all communication abilities can access the program. 

The intervention involves 4 caregiver sessions conducted via telehealth and 10 in-person sessions with caregivers and adolescents. There is a specific focus on supporting caregivers in identifying anxiety in their adolescents and in building adolescents’ independent use of CBT strategies. CBT strategies include the use of emotion regulation approaches, strategies to manage physical symptoms of anxiety and promote helpful thoughts and facing fears.

A visual menu of Calm Body strategies and a visual menu of Calm Mind mantras highlighting self-competence with coping (e.g., “I can do it”, “I’m brave”, “I can handle it”) are rehearsed. Calm Body and Calm Mind strategies are taught in a sequential manner building up to graded exposure practice (i.e., gradually facing fears, “Be Brave”) which is supported via in-session practice, along with steps for families to complete at home and in their community.    

Who is FYF:IDD for? 

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities, autism and/or social communication differences between the ages of 12-18. FYF:IDD has been adapted to support adolescents with a range of communication abilities (i.e., minimally verbal to fluent language) and behavioral needs.

Getting Started:

Clinical groups are not yet available.

Accessing Manuals:

The manual is not available to the public at this time. It is undergoing revision following the completion of a 3-year randomized clinical trial in August 2024.