People with intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, and offering them psychological support at the earliest possible moment greatly increases their ability to cope with the event and return to daily life. This book provides a complete, structured, evidence-based programme for providing this help to survivors of sexual abuse with developmental disabilities, both adults and children.

Step-by-step session plans, as well as comprehensive background information and downloadable worksheets, provide the means by which to offer effective help to clients and recover their feelings of safety and trust. Sessions are also included for helping parents and caregivers to cope with their own reactions and emotions on the discovery of the abuse. Each session is adaptable for the needs of people with severe, moderate and mild intellectual disabilities in order to provide exceptional care to every individual who needs it.

Step-by-step programme for offering psychological first aid to people with intellectual disabilities who have experienced sexual abuse, their families and their caregivers

About the Author

Aafke Scharloo MSc. is a clinical psychologist and remedial educationalist who has pioneered international approaches to helping people with intellectual disabilities recover from sexual abuse. Aafke is a consultant on special cases throughout the Netherlands and lectures internationally on issues concerning people with an intellectual disability, sexual abuse, maltreatment and trauma.
Simone Ebbers MSc. is a healthcare psychologist, child psychologist, EMDR-practitioner and sexologist. She runs a private practice assessing and treating trauma and sexual abuse, and specialises in working with people with intellectual disabilities.
Martine Spijker MSc. is a healthcare psychologist, EMDR-practitioner and psychotraumatherapist. She co-founded a treatment centre for helping children and young adults with mild intellectual disabilities and trauma. Martine also runs a private practice specialising in treating trauma and sexual abuse in children, teenagers and young adults.

Reviews
This important book considers a whole system approach when supporting the needs of individuals with learning difficulties who experience sexual abuse. Practical exercises appropriate to mild, moderate and severe learning difficulties provide a containing and therapeutic experience for the individual at different stages in the recovery process. Essential reading for professionals, parents and caregivers. -- Dr Martina Higgins, former social work manager and co-author of Disability and Child Sexual Abuse: Lessons from Survivors' Narratives for Effective Protection, Prevention and Treatment
This book is the first of its kind to provide a practical guide for those caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the aftermath of the discovery of abuse. Its approach is unique in that it teaches and empowers those who know the victim best, to support the victim and provide timely - nearly immediate - support, information and guidance. The great thing is that those who provide this support, among them the parents, do not require a degree or extensive training! One can work directly from the book and provide needed support. In addition, the book provides updated information on abuse including incidence and prevalence, vulnerability factors, and empowerment strategies for the direct and indirect victims. I strongly recommend this book. -- Dr. Nora Baladerian, licensed psychologist and author of the Risk Reduction Workbook



Book Information
ISBN 9781785921476
Author Aafke Scharloo
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 464g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 175mm * 18mm