Abstract
This exploratory study explored the relevance and availability of treatment practices for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and depression from the perspectives of professionals who work with this population. Additionally, potential areas of advancement in the field with regard to developing best practices were explored from the sixty professionals who participated in an online survey consisting of 15 questions on current treatment practices for depression among individuals with DD. Overall, the research findings indicate that individuals with DD and depression are an underserved population due to the lack of understanding and unsuccessful attempts by professionals in differentiating between co-occurring diagnoses. The difficulties involved with detecting depressive symptoms and diagnosing depression among individuals with DD have led to minimal progress in the development of empirically supported depression treatments. The research findings reflect the need for increased attention to differentiate depression from factors associated with DD and develop realistic treatment approaches for treating depression while managing the challenges associated with DD.