The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has shared that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available!

Understanding the Complexities of Behavioral Phenotypes and How to Support People

This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal shares insights from several expert and skilled clinicians into biological and genetic conditions which have been associated with behavioral phenotypes, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, autism, and Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). The field of intellectual and developmental disabilities in general has recognized various characteristic patterns of behavior for various conditions long before the term behavioral phenotype, or even the modern understanding of genetics, was developed. Those familiar with the historical aspects of the field are well aware that past attempts to characterize patterns in those with conditions or syndromes at times contributed to mischaracterizations and to damaging stereotypes of individuals. 

This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading here. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.

Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP. The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training’s inbox.