Suicidal Behavior and Community Support of Adults
With Intellectual Disability: Two Case Illustrations
James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA, Christine M. MaGee, M.S., BCBA, Michelle J. Graham, M.Ed., BCBA, James M. Sperry, M.S. & Mark J. Hauser, M.D.

Some adults with intellectual disability perform self-harming behaviors of potential lethality and in some cases, these appear to be intentional acts of suicide. Suicidal behavior, non-suicidal self-injury, and parasuicide among people who have intellectual disability are complex clinical concerns confronting mental health professionals. We present two case illustrations of adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability, psychiatric disorders, and multiple suicide attempts. Each adult was treated at a community-based residential setting with therapeutic support focused on their life-threatening behavior. The case illustrations detail treatment formulation, report outcome data, and describe long-term results.