Psychological First Aid for People with Intellectual Disabilities Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse

This important book considers a whole system approach when supporting the needs of individuals with learning difficulties who experience sexual abuse. Practical exercises appropriate to mild, moderate and severe learning difficulties provide a containing and therapeutic experience for the individual at different stages in the recovery process. Essential reading for professionals, parents and caregivers. – Dr Martina Higgins, former social work manager and co-author of Disability and Child Sexual Abuse: Lessons from Survivors’ Narratives for Effective Protection, Prevention and TreatmentThis book is the first of its kind to provide a practical guide for those caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the aftermath of the discovery of abuse. Its approach is unique in that it teaches and empowers those who know the victim best, to support the victim and provide timely - nearly immediate - support, information and guidance. The great thing is that those who provide this support, among them the parents, do not require a degree or extensive training! One can work directly from the book and provide needed support. In addition, the book provides updated information on abuse including incidence and prevalence, vulnerability factors, and empowerment strategies for the direct and indirect victims. I strongly recommend this book. – Dr. Nora Baladerian, licensed psychologist and author of the Risk Reduction Workbook

Aafke Scharloo MSc. is a clinical psychologist and remedial educationalist who has pioneered international approaches to helping people with intellectual disabilities recover from sexual abuse. Aafke is a consultant on special cases throughout the Netherlands and lectures internationally on issues concerning people with an intellectual disability, sexual abuse, maltreatment and trauma.

Simone Ebbers MSc. is a healthcare psychologist, child psychologist, EMDR-practitioner and sexologist. She runs a private practice assessing and treating trauma and sexual abuse, and specialises in working with people with intellectual disabilities.

Martine Spijker MSc. is a healthcare psychologist, EMDR-practitioner and psychotraumatherapist. She co-founded a treatment centre for helping children and young adults with mild intellectual disabilities and trauma. Martine also runs a private practice specialising in treating trauma and sexual abuse in children, teenagers and young adults.