Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Discussing the menopause with women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, MILLARD Lorraine
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.9-17.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Traditionally, little attention has been paid to the menopause as it affects women with learning disabilities. Consequently, older women with learning disabilities have rarely been adequately prepared for, or supported through, what for most women is a significant 'change of life'. None of the existing literature focuses on the women's perspectives, but rather, looks at menopause from a medical angle, in particular focusing on the timing of onset. The research study described in the present paper is an attempt to gain some insights into the ways in which women with learning disabilities perceive the menopause. The main informants were women with learning disabilities themselves, but also general practitioners, staff in learning disability services and parents who still cared for their middle-aged daughters at home. The research project also involved the non-disabled researchers working alongside two groups of women with learning disabilities, who acted as advisors and consultants to the project.
Going through the menopause: perceptions and experiences of women with intellectual disability
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.281-295.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article explores the perceptions, experiences and support needs of women with intellectual disability as they go through the menopause. Findings are presented from semi-structured interviews with 15 women with mild to moderate intellectual disability aged 43-65 years. Levels of knowledge about what the menopause was, when it happened, and whether it happened to all women, were found to be generally low. More significantly, the majority of the women did not understand the significance of the menopause on a woman's reproductive capacity. The women's experiences of change and transition were on a predominantly physical level, with some emotional effects, but little or no psychological and social impact noted.
Responses to women with learning disabilities as they go through the menopause
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 7(1), January 2002, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The research investigated how women with learning disabilities understand and experience the menopause, and the support available. This paper reports the experiences and attitudes of those people to whom women with learning disabilities might turn for support. GPs generally reported re;actively little experience in treating women with learning disabilities for menopause-related symptoms and some recognised the need for pro-active work. Carers played a key role on facilitating women' s access to primary health care. Staff in residential and day services recognised the role they played in supporting women through the menopause, but were hampered by lack of time and resources. Mothers of middle-aged women with learning disabilities and viewed this transition positively. The need for specialist educational materials was emphasised by all who took in this research.
An evaluative research study of a specialist women's refuge
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 2(2), June 2000, pp.29-40.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The research reported here examines the experiences of women with learning disabilities who have lived at the only specialist refuge available in this country. A full description of the specialist refuge is given and lessons drawn for other learning disability service providers. The importance of safe, women-only space is emphasised.
Sexuality and women with learning disabilities
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley
- Publication year:
- 1999
- Pagination:
- 288p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Study of women with mild and moderate learning difficulties. Investigates how they experience their sexual lives, based on interviews with the women themselves. Argues the importance of informing the work of those responsible at research, practice and policy levels with the voices of people with learning difficulties. Also looks at sexual abuse, and the impact of institutional and community settings on the sexuality of women with learning difficulties.
Interviewing people with learning disabilities about sensitive topics: a discussion of ethical issues
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 26(4), 1998, pp.140-145.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Discussion ethical issues in the context of the author's PhD research, interviewing women with learning disabilities about their sexual experiences. The ethical concerns addressed include seeking informed consent, establishing confidentiality and anonymity, as well as reciprocity and identification between the researcher and researched. Argues for the development of clear principles of good practice.
Sex and staff training: sexuality, sexual abuse and safer sex; a training manual for staff working with people with learning difficulties
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, THOMPSON David
- Publisher:
- Pavilion Publishing
- Publication year:
- 1994
- Pagination:
- 142p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Teaching pack designed for training staff working with people with learning difficulties. Includes handouts
User focus groups and Best Value in services for people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul, McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 9(6), November 2001, pp.476-489.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Examines the problems and potentials of employing user focus groups as part of an approach to defining and reviewing Best Value in local authority and jointly commissioned services for people with learning disabilities. Drawing on experience from three local authority initiatives and wider experience with Best Value, the article describes the development of user focus groups for helping review adult placement, outreach and day services for people with learning disabilities. The key methodological considerations for consulting with service users with learning disabilities through focus groups are identified and the interpretation of outcomes considered. Concludes with pointers for the effective operation of user focus groups in local authority Best Value reviews of services for people with learning disabilities, of use to practitioners, service managers and commissioners.
Women with learning disabilities-experiencing their sexuality in a healthy way
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 6(1), January 2001, pp.16-21.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Outlines some of the factors which are important in helping or hindering women with learning disabilities to experience their sexuality in a positive and healthy way. Based on direct experience, the article presents the factors which must be present for women with learning disabilities to enjoy their sexuality: making choices, giving consent, receiving information, experiencing mutuality, experiencing pleasure, having self-esteem and having resource to the law if abused. Emphasises how important it is that women with learning disabilities and their supporters understand these factors.
A prevalence study of sexual abuse of adults with intellectual disabilities referred for sex education
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, THOMPSON David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(2), 1997, pp.105-124.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Reports on a prevalence study of sexual abuse of women and men with intellectual disabilities who were referred for sex education. The prevalence rate of abuse was found to be significantly higher for women than men. Almost all perpetrators were men, with the majority being men with intellectual disabilities or fathers. Women are shown to experience the sexual contact more negatively than the men, although it was usual for both the women and men to feel quite ambivalent about the perpetrator and what he had done to them. Typically the abuse was revealed by the victims themselves, but they were unaware of its social meaning. Generally responses to the abuse were very weak, however there is evidence that the abuse of men is taken more seriously.