Mindfulness-based programs and practices for people with intellectual and developmental disability

People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) commonly exhibit behaviors that present challenges to their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Mindfulness-based practices and programs have emerged as a viable alternative to current interventions for such behaviors and the stress faced by their caregivers. This review addresses publications between 2018 and 2019 that examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based practices and programs for people living with IDD.

Individuals with IDD can learn mindfulness practices to self-manage their aggressive and destructive behaviors. Individual practices and group-based programs continue to show that mindfulness approaches are effective for this population. Randomized controlled trials indicate that comprehensive mindfulness-based programs (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction, MYmind, and mindfulness-based positive behavior support) are effective for enhancing the quality of life of people living with IDD.

Research supports the use of informal mindfulness practices for challenging behaviors of people with IDD. Formal mindfulness-based programs continue to be evaluated for their effectiveness across different populations, cultures, levels of IDD, components of the program, and length of training. The research literature on mindfulness is still in the early stages of development and much work remains.