Kellie L. Miller, LCSW Loring Job Corps Center and Diane Fairchild, MS Siatech National Health and...

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Understanding and Accommodating Students Who

Have Mental Health Disabilities That Include a

Behavioral Component

Kellie L. Miller, LCSWLoring Job Corps Center

andDiane Fairchild, MS

SiatechNational Health and Wellness Conference 2011

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Identify common mental health impairments and associated symptoms

Describe behavioral indicators associated with mental health disabilities

List functional limitations among students identified with mental health disabilities

Name accommodations to increase positive student behavioral responses

Describe and practice use of the Success Management Plans in a case management approach to improve outcomes for students with mental health disabilities

Objectives

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Disability Program-PRH 6.11, R7

“Because it is a federally funded training program, Job Corps is required to ensure its program and facilities are accessible and provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability.”

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. pg. 20)

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Common Mental Health Impairments

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Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders Mood disorders Anxiety disorders Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders Oppositional defiant disorder Autism spectrum disorders (Asperger’s

Syndrome) Personality disorders

Common Mental Health Impairments

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Schizophrenia Schizoaffective

Disorder Delusional Disorder Substance-Induced

Psychotic Disorder Psychotic Disorder,

NOS

Psychotic Disorders

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Delusions Hallucinations False ideas or beliefs (believes someone is

spying on him/her) Experiencing something that does not exist

through one or more of the five senses

Symptoms of Psychosis

(Mental Health America: Schizophrenia: What You Need To Know)

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Disorganized thinking & speech Grossly disorganized behavior Negative or deficit symptoms Moving from one topic to another in a way

that does not make sense. Individual may make up words or sounds.

Withdrawing socially, Lacks motivation, inappropriate or lack of affect

Symptoms of Psychosis

(Mental Health America: Schizophrenia: What You Need To Know)

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Major Depressive Disorder

Dysthymic Disorder Depressive Disorder,

NOS Bipolar Disorder Cyclothymic Disorder Substance Induced

Mood Disorders Mood Disorder, NOS

Mood Disorders

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Symptoms of Mood Disorders–Depressive

Feels sad or empty Tearful Loss of interest in

activities Increase or decrease

in appetite Insomnia or

Hypersomnia Restlessness

Restlessness Loss of energy or

chronic fatigue Feeling hopeless,

worthless, or guilty Difficulty

concentrating Recurrent thoughts

of death or suicidal ideation

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

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Symptoms of Mood Disorders–Manic

Abnormally elevated mood

Excessive irritability Inflated self esteem Decreased need for

sleep More talkative than

usual

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

More talkative than usual

Racing thoughts Distractibility Increased goal

directed activity (school or work)

Risk taking behaviors

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Panic Disorders Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive

Disorder Acute Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress

Disorder Generalized Anxiety

Disorder Anxiety Disorder, NOS Substance Induced

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

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Excessive anxiety and worry

Difficulty controlling worry

Restlessness or seems “on edge”

Easily fatigued Difficulty

concentrating Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

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Symptoms of ADHD–Inattentive

Difficulty paying attention

Makes careless mistakes

Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Organizational problems

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

Easily distracted Forgetful Reluctant or

avoidant to do school work

Often loses things

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Symptoms of ADHD–Hyperactive/Impulsive

Talks excessively Blurts out answers

before question is completed

Difficulty waiting turn

Interrupts or intrudes on others

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

Fidgets with hands or feet

Often leaves seat Restless energy Difficulty with quiet

play activities Often appears “on

the go” or “driven by a motor”

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Often loses temper Often argues with

adults Often refuses to follow

rules Often deliberately

annoys others Often blames other for

his or her behaviors Often angry or resentful Often spiteful or

vindictive

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

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Inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

Hand or finger flapping or twisting

Preoccupation with parts of objects

Impairments in nonverbal behaviors

Failure to develop age-appropriate peer relationships

Repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors

Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2000. pg 103)

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Pattern of inner experiences and behavior that is very different from expectations of culture

At least two of the following areas are impacted:◦ Perception of self or others◦ Intensity of emotional

responses◦ Functioning in relationships◦ Poor impulse control

Symptoms of Personality Disorders

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

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Behavioral Indicators

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Internalizing behaviors (alcohol/substance abuse, self injury, eating too much or too little, risk taking)

Refusing to do chores Not adhering to curfew Failure to clear from dormitory in

the morning

Behavioral Indicators Associated with Mental Health Disabilities

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Chronic absences or tardiness for class

Sleeping in class Lack of productivity Challenging authority Disruptive behaviors Use of profanity Social withdrawal or isolation

Behavioral Indicators Associated with Mental Health Disabilities

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Behavioral Indicators Associated with Mental Health Disabilities

Bullying & Harassment of other students

Frequently getting up from seat or leaving class without a pass

Lack of commitment to personal hygiene and appearance

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Resistant to feedback and efforts of assistance

Ignoring prompts Not adhering to center standards of conduct

Lacks personal accountability for behavioral choices or blames others

Behavioral Indicators Associated with Mental Health Disabilities

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Functional Limitations

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Screening Out Environmental Stimuli

Maintaining Stamina Managing Deadlines

and Multiple Tasks Difficulty with

Medication Side Effects

Interacting Socially Responding to

Negative Feedback Dealing with

Change Meeting Self Care

Needs Sustaining

Concentration

Functional Limitations

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Sounds Sights Odors Interferes with focusing on tasks

Limited ability to tolerate noise and crowds

Screening Out Environmental Stimuli

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Difficulty sustaining energy to spend whole day in classes on center

Drowsy due to medications

Slower pace

Maintaining Stamina

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. Attachment A)

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Prioritizing tasks Time management Meeting deadlines Organization Difficulty

managing assignments

Inability to multi-task

Managing Deadlines and Multiple Tasks

(Mental Health Disabilities: Reasonable Accommodation)

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◦ Drowsiness◦ Fatigue◦ Dry mouth & thirst◦ Blurred vision◦ Hand tremors◦ Slowed response time◦ Difficulty initiating

interpersonal contact

Difficulty with Medication Side Effects

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. Attachment A)

Side effects of psychiatric medications that affect academic and training performance such as…

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Interacting Socially Reading social cues Contributing to group

work Fitting in Getting along with

others Dealing with difficult

people Effective communication Maintaining

interpersonal relationships

(Mental Health Disabilities: Reasonable Accommodation)

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Difficulty understanding and correctly interpreting feedback or poor grades

Tolerating distress Emotion regulation Low self esteem Personalization Defensiveness

Responding to Negative Feedback

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. Attachment A)

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Difficulty coping with unexpected changes in coursework or training, such as changes in the assignments, due dates, or instructors

Transitional periods Holidays and breaks Limited ability to

tolerate interruptions

Dealing with Change

(Mental Health Disabilities: Reasonable Accommodation)

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Problems with hygiene or grooming

Difficulty managing stress

Meeting Self Care Needs

(Mental Health Disabilities: Reasonable Accommodation)

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Restless Shortened

attention span Easily distracted Difficulty

remembering verbal instructions

Sustaining Concentration

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. Attachment A)

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Accommodations to Increase Positive Student

Behavioral Responses

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Exhibit appropriate social behavior Communicating with others Maintaining concentration Managing stress Medication side effects Prepare students for change

Accommodations to Increase Positive Student Behavioral

Responses

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Develop and post simple, clear, and consistent code of conduct◦Acceptable verbal and nonverbal language◦Acceptable ways to engage in discussion or

debate◦Acceptable student interactions

Verify student’s understanding of expectations, rules, consequences, & assignments

Exhibit Appropriate Social Behavior

Slides 34-39 taken from (Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. pgs 76-77)

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Ask student’s perspective of personal performance including strengths & areas for improvement

Practice appropriate social skills such as role playing

Encourage all students to model appropriate social skills

Use of a tutor, peer buddy, or staff mentor to reinforce appropriate skills especially during unstructured time

Exhibit Appropriate Social Behavior

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Reward and praise student engaging in appropriate behavior often

Allow brief time-out or break as needed Identify the “out” for those times when the

student is unable to demonstrate appropriate skills◦Hand gesture, word, or signal◦Where to go to regain composure◦How to return/re-engage in class

Exhibit Appropriate Social Behavior

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Adjust the method of communication to best suit the student’s individualized needs◦One-on-one◦Face-to-face◦In the presence of another

Communicating with Others

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Teach/model appropriate verbal communication skills◦Address person by name or title◦Wait to speak, avoid interruptions◦How to enter another group’s conversations

Encourage students to move personal conversation away from classroom and common area

Communicating with Others

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Prioritize tasks, activities, and assignments for the student◦Divide assignments into smaller tasks

Provide movement breaks Increase natural lighting in classroom

Maintaining Concentration

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Help arrange the student’s environment◦Redesign space Minimize auditory and visual

distractions (ear plugs/headset) Tennis balls on the bottom of chairs and

tables Reduce clutter Private room for testing

◦Preferential seating

Maintaining Concentration

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Frequent breaks (for movement and to re-organize self

Reinforce time management/organizational techniques◦ Emphasize due dates on calendars◦ Help students add entries on their own calendar

and double check entries to ensure accuracy◦ Encourage use of “To Do” lists and checklists as

reminders◦ Develop a color coded system (each color

represents a task, or event, or level of importance)◦ Provide students with list of supplies & equipment

Managing Stress

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Identify support personnel Role Model and Encourage Students to…

◦ Take one thing at a time◦ Be realistic◦ Avoid Superman or Superwoman Syndrome◦ Guided visualization◦ Pray or Meditate◦ Get physical exercise◦ Have fun with hobbies & interests

Managing Stress

(Mental Health America: Coping with Stress Checklist)

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Role Model and Encourage Students to (cont’d)

◦ Eat healthy◦ Drink enough water◦ Get enough sleep◦ Limit alcohol, sugar, smoking, & caffeine◦ Share their feelings with someone they trust◦ Be flexible◦ Avoid being overly critical or judgmental

Managing Stress

(Mental Health America: Coping with Stress Checklist)

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Allow the student use of water bottle in class, testing, and in dormitory

Adjust student’s schedule◦For therapy appointments, later start of

class day, change in time medication is taken, adjustment to chore schedule

Assign a staff mentor or peer buddy Use medication contracts to help with

compliance and accountability

Medication Side Effects

(Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010. pg 77)

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Talk with students regarding changes in advance

Prepare students for summer and winter breaks away from center

Support students during times of adjustment & transition (Career Preparation Period and Career Transition)

Prepare Students for Change

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Allow for student input and ideas when possible

Introduce new staff Make sure new staff are aware of student needs

Be sensitive to stressors such as deaths of family or friends and changes in roommates

Prepare Students for Change

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Be encouraging Use appropriate humor

(avoid teasing or making fun of students)

Believe each student is capable of meeting his or her goals!

Positive relationships increase retention & successful outcomes

Remember to catch them being good”! Focus on the positive behaviors

Attitude is a Little Thing, But it Makes a BIG Difference!

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Success Management Plans/Case Management

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Case Management Approach

Career Counselor makes ideal Case

Manager

Coordinate and facilitate

interdisciplinary core team meetings

Team members: Student, Parent,

Career Counselor, TEAP, Vocational,

Education, RA, Disability

Coordinator, CMHC, CSIO, etc.

Case Manager monitors non-

health staff involvement in the plan to evaluate

student’s progress and performance

Document in the health and

wellness file

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•Two part written system

•Referrals preferably from career counselor

•Written response from CMHC back to referral source to indicate follow up

Referral and Feedback

•Reason for referral

•Presenting problem

•Mental status

•Diagnostic impression

•Management plan

Mental Health Intake

•Relevant to Job Corps Program

•Identifies specific non-health care staff

•Keep it short and sweet (one page)

Success Management

Plan

CMHC Role in Case Management Approach

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What are the stressors, triggers, and issues impacting employability?

What are the current behaviors and barriers to employability?

What are the student’s perceived consequences of continued difficulty and failure to complete Job Corps?

Developing a Success Management Plan

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What are student’s goals in relation to the current stressor or issue as well as relevant academic, vocational, and personal goals)?

What are students strengths and resources? What has been helpful in the past?

What on-center support activities are now being used?

Developing a Success Management Plan

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What accommodations and actions will support student success?

Who will be the staff responsible for following through with identified accommodations?

How and when will the accommodations be re-evaluated for effectiveness?

Developing a Success Management Plan

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Case Studies

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A 22 year old male student has been presenting as increasingly irritable and intolerant of peers and staff over the last 2 weeks. He has not been sleeping well at night. He seems angry and complains about the center rules.

He talks in a loud tone of voice and challenges his instructors when they are providing feedback. Many staff members have mentioned they want to avoid confrontation with the student due to his intimidating nature.

Case Study #1

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A 16 year old female student is in class. Suddenly her heart begins to pound, she starts to sweat profusely, and finds it difficult to catch her breath. She is feeling dizzy and is unable to concentrate in class. She has no known medical conditions. The next day she is so worried the feeling of panic will happen again, she avoids going to class and begins to isolate herself from others.

Case Study #2

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An 18 year old male student finds it very difficult to concentrate in class. His instructors are feeling increasingly frustrated due to a number of behavioral concerns. The student often seems to not pay attention when spoken too.

He arrives to class without the necessary equipment despite being informed several times. He states he forgot or lost the items. He does not complete his assignments in a timely manner. The student is disruptive by acting like the class clown, getting up frequently from his seat, and tapping his pencil.

Case Study #3

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A 20 year old male student has been cited several times for failure to clear the dormitory in the morning. He is complaining of feeling very tired and wants to sleep most of the day. He is increasingly tardy for class. His instructors have complained he keeps his head down and appears to be sleeping in class. The student has not been showing up at the wellness center in the morning to take his prescription antidepressant medication.

Case Study #4

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A 17 year old male student is observed to be sitting by himself everyday at the cafeteria. He does not appear to have any social friendships on the Center. He comes across as less mature than many of the other students. He seems to lack confidence. The student has been complaining of other students teasing him and wants to leave the center to return home.

Case Study #5

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A 23 year old female student with a history of sexual trauma, has been engaging in increasingly high risk behaviors. She was caught for an alcohol violation. There have been rumors from others students she is engaging in multiple promiscuous sexual relationships.

She has superficial red scratch marks on her forearms. She appears to attach herself to certain staff members and presents as dependent on their support to the point of missing vocational instruction.

Case Study #6

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Resources

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Teacher’s Edition to Behavioral Interventions: Intervention Strategies for Behavior Problems in the Educational Environment, Kathy Cummins Wunderlich, Hawthorne educational Services, Inc.

Pre-Referral Intervention Manual 3rd Edition: The Most Common Learning and Behavior Problems Encountered in the Educational Environment, Stephen B. McCarney, Hawthorne Educational Services, Inc.

Resources

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Job Accommodation Network (JAN) http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar/

National Mental Health Association Website http://www.nami.org/ Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center

Mental Health Consultant◦ Chronic Care Management Plans

Job Corps Disability Website Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities

Website Desk Reference Guide: Disability Coordinator

Resources

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Boston Region – Lisa Koshlisa.kosh@humanitas.com

Philadelphia and Atlanta Regions– Nikki Jackson

nikki.jackson@humantias.com Dallas Region– Laura Kuhn

Laura.kuhn@humanitas.com Chicago and San Francisco Regions – Kim

Jones kim.jones@humanitas.com

Regional Disability Coordinators

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American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-IV-TR. Arlington, VA.

Case Management Approach-Job Corps Health. http://jchealth-jobcorps.gov/healthtopics/mhd/bvmr/

Desk Reference Guide: Job Corps Center Mental Health Consultant. October 2010.

Mental Health America: Coping With Stress Checklist. http://wwwmentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/stress/coping-with-stress-checklist

References

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Mental Health America: Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/schizophrenia

Mental Health Disabilities: Reasonable Accommodation http://jcweb.jobcorps.org/health/Pages/MHDReasonableAccommodation.aspx

Reasonable Accommodation-Job Corps Health http://jchealth.jovcorps.gov/healthtopics/mhd/ra

References