Overview
In IDD services, behavior is often viewed as something to manage. But for many individuals, behavior is a reflection of past trauma, especially when they do not have the tools or language to express what they are feeling. Trauma-informed care encourages providers to shift the question from "what’s wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?"
This change in perspective is especially important in behavioral health. When providers recognize the effects of trauma and adjust how they respond to behavior, they help create safer, more respectful environments where individuals feel supported rather than controlled.
Understanding trauma in IDD care
Trauma is not always visible. It can come from a wide range of experiences, such as medical procedures, institutional living, abuse, neglect, or chronic stress. For individuals with IDD, trauma may be harder to recognize, particularly when communication is limited or behavior is misunderstood.
Many individuals have faced repeated disruptions in care, a lack of autonomy, or environments that were not adapted to their needs. These experiences influence how they respond to stress, transitions, or even routine interactions.
How trauma shapes behavior
Trauma does not always present as panic or flashbacks. It can appear as withdrawal, aggression, avoidance, self-injury, or refusal to participate. For someone with IDD, these behaviors may be the only available way to communicate that they do not feel safe.
A trauma-informed approach looks beyond the behavior to understand what might be causing it. Instead of asking how to stop the behavior, providers ask what the individual needs and how to respond with care, not control.
Principles of trauma-informed care
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies six guiding principles for trauma-informed care:
Safety – Physical and emotional environments should promote a sense of security
Trustworthiness and transparency – Build trust through clear, consistent communication
Peer support – Encourage shared experiences and relationships
Collaboration and mutuality – Reduce power imbalances and promote teamwork
Empowerment, voice, and choice – Honor individual preferences and support autonomy
Cultural, historical, and gender awareness – Understand how identity and history impact trauma
These principles should guide more than just clinical work. They can influence how agencies train staff, design services, communicate across teams, and support day-to-day operations.
Trauma-informed care for all
Being trauma-informed is not limited to therapists or clinicians. DSPs, case managers, supervisors, and support staff all play a role in building environments where individuals feel safe, respected, and in control of their care.
Small changes can make a big difference. Offering choices, slowing transitions, or using consistent language can help reduce anxiety and promote trust. When staff recognize trauma responses and respond with empathy, outcomes improve for everyone.
Supporting staff
Trauma-informed care should also extend to the workforce. Staff are vulnerable to stress, burnout, and secondary trauma. Agencies that apply trauma-informed principles internally—through open communication, strong supervision, and thoughtful scheduling—create more resilient, supported teams.
When staff feel safe and valued, they are better equipped to offer the same to the individuals they serve.
Behavior through relationships
Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from compliance to connection. It encourages providers to view behavior as a message, not a disruption.
Leading with curiosity instead of control creates space for healing and growth. In behavioral health, where relationships drive progress, this mindset is essential.
Giv and trauma-informed care
Trauma-informed care depends on systems that promote safety, consistency, and shared understanding. Giv helps IDD agencies support this approach through real-time documentation, behavior tracking, and centralized team communication.
Staff can document observations and supports as they happen, while supervisors and clinicians monitor trends and collaborate more effectively. With Giv, teams can respond based on real data, not assumptions, and support individuals with the empathy and structure that trauma-informed care requires. To learn more visit Giv's behavioral health page.
