Suicide Prevention and People With IDD: What You Need to Know

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a high risk of co-occurring mental health conditions, but this serious issue is often overlooked and misunderstood. The Arc of Illinois provides this “Suicide Prevention and People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: What You Need to Know” fact sheet about signs to look for and ways you can help.

People with IDD may not know how to verbally express what they are feeling or may not use spoken language to communicate. Their behaviors may communicate their feelings more than spoken words. Suicidal thoughts can progress and increase over time. It’s important to notice the signs early on so you can intervene quickly.