Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) experience high rates of psychiatric disorders, and coinciding high rates of emergency service use. The current study seeks to explore strategies to improve outcomes by reporting a one-year prospective investigation among 41 individuals (Mean age = 32 years, SD = 12) with ID and mental health needs who received specialized supports from the I-START program (Iowa Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment) operating in a rural region of Iowa. To supplement these data, a qualitative case study details the application of the START model. Results indicate that individuals supported by the I-START program experienced significant reductions in informant-reported problem behaviors and fewer psychiatric emergency department visits and hospitalizations over time. Findings illustrate the benefits of START in improving outcomes for individuals with ID and mental needs as well as their systems of support.

智障人士（ID）的精神疾病发生率很高，并且紧急服务的使用率也很高。本研究旨在通过报告41位个体（平均年龄= 32岁，SD）的为期一年的前瞻性调查来探索改善结果的策略。= 12）具有身份和精神健康需求的人，他们从爱荷华州农村地区开展的I-START计划（爱荷华州系统，治疗，评估，资源和治疗）获得了专门支持。为了补充这些数据，定性案例研究详细介绍了START模型的应用。结果表明，随着时间的流逝，受I-START计划支持的个人的举报人报告的问题行为显着减少，精神科急诊就诊和住院的次数减少。研究结果表明，START可以改善有残障和精神需求的个人及其支持系统的成果。