Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities: What You Should Know

deruthcsn209347
May 1
3 min read

Understanding Mental Health in the Disability Community

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month calls us to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being—for ourselves, our families, and our communities. At Community Support Network (CSN), we know that mental health is essential to living a full, connected life. And we also know that for adults with developmental disabilities, mental health support is too often overlooked.

Adults with developmental disabilities experience mental health challenges—like anxiety, depression, and trauma-related stress—at higher rates than the general population. Yet these challenges can go unnoticed or unaddressed because of systemic gaps in care, lack of accessible services, and a shortage of providers trained to meet their unique needs.

Understanding the Barriers

Sometimes, what looks like “behavior” is actually a person’s way of expressing pain, confusion, or emotional distress. Communication differences can make it harder for individuals to describe what they’re feeling. And too often, symptoms of mental health conditions are mistaken as “just part of the disability”—a harmful form of misdiagnosis known as diagnostic overshadowing.

As a result, people with developmental disabilities may not get the care they need—or they may receive treatment that isn’t responsive to who they are and how they thrive. That’s why it’s so important for mental health professionals, families, and community support systems to be equipped with tools to listen, adapt, and advocate.

Building a More Inclusive System

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to push for better systems, better access, and greater inclusion. That means:

Expanding mental health services that are accessible, inclusive, and trauma-informed
Supporting caregivers and families who are often the first to notice when something’s not right
Increasing training for providers so they are equipped to recognize and respond to mental health needs in people with developmental disabilities
Raising public awareness to reduce stigma and increase understanding

Mental health is for everyone—and everyone means everyone.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

Whether you're an individual seeking support or a caregiver who’s concerned, here are resources available in Wisconsin and beyond:

📞 Crisis & Support Hotlines

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 Available 24/7 for mental health support, including for people with disabilities. Text or call.
WI Department of Health Services – 24/7 Mental Health Support: Find local crisis lines by county: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis/index.htm
HOPELINE Text Service (Wisconsin): Text HOPELINE to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Provides information, support, and referrals for individuals and families.

🧰 Additional Resources & Support

The Arc Wisconsin Advocacy, support, and information for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://arcwi.org
Disability Rights Wisconsin Provides advocacy and legal support for people with disabilities across the state. https://disabilityrightswi.org
Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin Offers community support, events, and resources for autistic individuals and families. https://www.autismsouthcentral.org
NAMI Wisconsin (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Offers peer support groups, education, and advocacy resources. https://namiwisconsin.org
ABLE National Resource Center Financial tools and information to support mental and physical wellness for people with disabilities. https://www.ablenrc.org

If you're part of someone’s support system—family, friend, direct support professional, caregiver—you can play a vital role in noticing early signs, creating space to talk about feelings, and connecting people to help.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s honor the dignity and humanity of adults with developmental disabilities by making sure their mental health is seen, respected, and supported.