ABSTRACT
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) typically experience isolation, stigma, and oppression in a manner that contributes to their marginalization and decreases their functional autonomy. Therapist self-disclosure is an important aspect of a behavioral treatment program for promoting the effective self-management of these individuals. Moreover, it underscores the inherent dignity of the individual diagnosed with an IDD in a socially valid fashion. This chapter provides an explanation of the conceptual rationale for utilizing self-disclosure with clients with IDDs, with anecdotal case examples for further illumination of benefits. Given the paucity of research regarding self-disclosure with this population, it is imperative that more scientific consideration be given to refine and improve the knowledge base for both self-disclosure protocols and implications.
