The Fatal Seven Impacting Individuals with IDD | Melissa P. Blevins, BS, RN, QMHP and Jessa Sprouse, MSN, RN

Course Description: This course equips caregivers and healthcare professionals with the skills to identify and respond to common health concerns in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of dehydration, constipation, bowel obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, seizures, pressure injuries, falls, and sepsis. The session will also highlight the role of qualified professionals in assessing swallowing disorders and provide practical strategies to reduce risk and promote better health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Course Objectives: 1. Recognize common medical risks in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including dehydration, constipation, bowel obstruction, pressure injuries, and falls. 2. Identify signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonia, seizures, and sepsis. 3. Understand risk factors that contribute to these health conditions and how to reduce them. 4. Know when and how to involve healthcare professionals, including those qualified to assess swallowing disorders. 5. Apply prevention strategies to promote safety and improve health outcomes.