A New Leaf Behavior Support Program
A New Leaf program coordinators, job coaches, and direct care staff are well-versed in developmental disabilities and autism. However, nearly 60% of our clients served by our vocational and residential programs also have mental health conditions. Having a combination of diagnoses - referred to as comorbidity - can cause clients to present behavior challenges for care providers and for the clients themselves in achieving personal goals toward independent employment and living.
The coexistence of developmental disabilities and mental health disorders can have serious effects on a person’s daily functioning by interfering with vocational and recreational activities, jeopardizing residential placement, and disrupting family and peer relationships. Our Behavior Support Program provides direct care staff, job coaches, and clients with comorbidities tools and coping techniques to prevent behavior challenges before they occur.
Along with providing this service to our clients, We are now able to serve more individuals in Area II (the northeast section of Oklahoma) with comorbidities and their care team outside of A New Leaf through our State Family Training Contract.