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Learning from cases at staff meetings, and generalizing the knowledge for
additional cases
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Study and enrichment meetings held every 6 to 8 weeks with the aim of
enriching the theoretical knowledge of the staff
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Visits and consultations with experts from abroad
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Personal training by external experts
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Contact with other units in the country involved in treating this population
The target population – the service recipients
The community diagnostic unit provides diagnostic and treatment services for children and
adults with intellectual developmental disability who also have a psychiatric disorder. The
service recipients meet the following criteria:
1. Children and adults with intellectual developmental disability
A person diagnosed with intellectual disability or where there is a suspicion of
intellectual disability
A child learning in a special education framework for children with intellectual
disabilities, or learning in a small class in a regular school
2. Significant behavioral difficulties and/or emotional distress
For example:
Violent behavior (towards themselves or others)
Sleep problems
Anxiety
Withdrawal and introversion
(In cases where there is a doubt or question with regard to meeting these criteria, a consultation
is held between the director, the psychiatrist and the social worker of the unit, in order to
determine whether to accept the person for treatment.)
The unit staff
The staff numbers six permanent positions:
1. Psychiatrist
2. Social worker
3. Psychologist
4. Behavioral analyst
5. Occupational therapist
6. Unit director
(Additional professionals, such as a speech therapist, may be involved as necessary.)