Refining the Model: Coach-Informed Adaptations to Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

<b>Background:</b> Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are understudied in the field of health promotion. Additionally, health promotion programs need tailoring to meet the needs of this population to enhance participation and usability. This study explores coach reflections from an Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching (IHWC) program for individuals with IDD, emphasizing the demands of individualized, client-led work. <b>Methods:</b> Qualitative data were collected through coach debriefs and written reflections during the IHWC program and analyzed thematically. <b>Results:</b> Four themes were developed: coach perspectives and preparedness for working with individuals with IDD; recognizing and responding to client differences in IDD coaching; holding the frame: balancing coaching structure with individual adaptations; and coaching in practice: adapting, reflecting, and looking ahead. <b>Discussion:</b> Coach reflections revealed the need for flexibility, ongoing learning, and preparation to support neurodivergent clients. Direct experience helped coaches grow more confident in adapting IHWC to individual needs. <b>Conclusion:</b> IHWC for individuals with IDD requires reflective training and adaptable approaches that affirm neurodiversity and move beyond standardized models.

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Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Published
2026-01-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251415509
Primary Topic
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
Type
article
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article

Refining the Model: Coach-Informed Adaptations to Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Karen Westervelt, Patricia Prelock, Stasha Medeiros, Sarah Pettineo et al.
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
article

Refining the Model: Coach-Informed Adaptations to Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Karen Westervelt, Patricia Prelock, Stasha Medeiros, Sarah Pettineo, Alyssa M. Smith, Sydney Daniels
article en

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are understudied in the field of health promotion. Additionally, health promotion programs need tailoring to meet the needs of this population to enhance participation and usability. This study explores coach reflections from an Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching (IHWC) program for individuals with IDD, emphasizing the demands of individualized, client-led work. <b>Methods:</b> Qualitative data were collected through coach debriefs and written reflections during the IHWC program and analyzed thematically. <b>Results:</b> Four themes were developed: coach perspectives and preparedness for working with individuals with IDD; recognizing and responding to client differences in IDD coaching; holding the frame: balancing coaching structure with individual adaptations; and coaching in practice: adapting, reflecting, and looking ahead. <b>Discussion:</b> Coach reflections revealed the need for flexibility, ongoing learning, and preparation to support neurodivergent clients. Direct experience helped coaches grow more confident in adapting IHWC to individual needs. <b>Conclusion:</b> IHWC for individuals with IDD requires reflective training and adaptable approaches that affirm neurodiversity and move beyond standardized models.

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
University of Vermont (US), University of Arizona (US)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 90%
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
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Refining the Model: Coach-Informed Adaptations to Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities — Karen Westervelt, Patricia Prelock, et al. · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS