Intellectual Disability

I have extensive experience working with both youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. I have enjoyed working with this population professionally, both during my counseling career and prior to. I have worked in group homes, as a caregiver and case manager, in homeless shelters, and in a clinical community mental health setting with individuals in this population.

I have a minor in special education and I have worked with this population in various capacities for a decade. There is a large gap between mental health services and I/DD services that I hope to bridge. I’ve seen people with I/DD who could use someone who is there purely for support and to help them to love themselves more. I’ve seen more than a few parents and caregivers who could use that same support.

Completed professional and clinical training exclusively with disabled/neurodivergent communities, including autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. Clinical Social Work internship with Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and completion of Leadership Excellence in Neurodevelopmental & Other Related Disorders (LEND) program. Current employment with Neurodiversity Empowerment Services providing therapeutic support to individuals, groups, and families.

I worked as a Direct Support Professional (also known as a Direct Care Specialist) where I would provide in-home care for individuals with developmental disabilities. I have worked with individuals of all ages and abilities. Some examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Down Syndrome. I also have experience working with non-verbal individuals.

Outside of my career as a mental health counselor, I have worked in Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) for over 6 years. Making sessions accessible for neurodiverse populations is a passion of mine, and inclusion has been a core value for me throughout my lifetime as a sibling of an individual with a disability. I have experience working with individuals with diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism, and ID.

There is so often a lack of resources for individuals who have intellectual disabilities are seeking an informed therapist who understand their unique needs. I have over 14 years of experience working with individuals who have disabilities. In therapy, interventions are adapted to the individual needs of the person and their support systems.

Sam believes in adaptive approaches to evidence based practices. Many times people with intellectual disabilities are limited to behaviorist-driven approaches. I believe person centered, client directed approaches are central to work with clients who have cognitive impairments.

The majority of my internship hours were completed by providing Applied Behavioral Analyses (ABA), through Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) to families and caregivers of those with special needs. I trained family members and caregivers on how to best provide support to shape challenging behaviors of their loved one with special needs. I worked with children and adults on the Autism spectrum, as well as a variety of other intellectual disabilities.