Intervening from the "Inside Out": Exploring the Role of Self-Determination and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Objectives This paper describes and integrates self-determination and mindfulness research in intellectual and developmental disability, with a focus on how both approaches shift the focus to intervening from the "inside out" rather than from the "outside in." Methods A targeted overview of self-determination and mindfulness research in intellectual and developmental disabilities is provided. Parallels and areas of divergence are described, with implications derived for the integration of the two approaches to promote positive outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Results There is a synergistic relationship between self-determination and mindfulness-based interventions. Promoting internal resources, self-awareness, and emotion regulation through mindfulness may provide the foundation on which to build specific self-determination skills. Conclusions There is a need for ongoing work to develop and test, in partnership with disabled people, the impacts and outcomes of integrated approaches to promoting mindfulness and self-determination. This will require changes across multiple levels, and issues related to diversity and equity must be at the forefront.