Behavioural Activation and Severe Learning Disabilities

"It is a structured, time limited, manualised psychological therapy, developed to treat those with learning disabilities and depressive symptoms.~There is an initial training session for carers regarding their role in the treatment, then 12 sessions with the person with a learning disability and their carer, held weekly or fortnightly, spanning approximately 6 months.~Activities are carried out with the individuals with learning disabilities at each session and elements of the intervention are delivered via carers. The three main phases are: i) assessment and socialisation into the intervention and establishing a relationship with the person with the disability, ii) working towards change, and iii) finishing therapy. The first phase includes assessment of the person's pattern of daily activity, barriers and facilitators to engaging in activity, and examining the link between activity and mood. Specific attention is given to the role of communication and how scaffolding can be provid"