Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Autism spectrum disorders in genetic syndromes: implications for diagnosis, intervention and understanding the wider autism spectrum disorder population
- Authors:
- MOSS J., HOWLIN P.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(10), October 2009, pp.852-873.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
There is growing interest in the association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or ASD-related phenomenology, and a number genetically linked conditions. This systematic review examines the possibility of such an association in the following syndrome groups; Fragile X, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Down, Angelman, CHARGE, and Phenylketonuria. Special consideration is given to the role of intellectual disability (ID) in assessing the association. The first section looks specifically at the possible associations while the second section focuses on the clinical implications in terms of diagnosis and intervention, and the implication for conceptual and theoretical frameworks. Formal diagnostic assessments suggest an association between ASD and specific syndrome groups but detailed investigation reveals subtle but qualitative differences in the presentation of ASD-like phenomenology in particular groups. The degree of ID of the individual appears to play a part in the development and presentation of ASD-like characteristics but cannot solely account for the heightened prevalence of ASD characteristics in some specific syndromes. The authors suggest that caution is needed in interpreting the significance of superficial similarities between ASD and the behavioural phenotypes of certain genetically determined syndromes. However, recognition of ASD-like characteristics in individuals with genetic syndromes is crucial in ensuring that individuals receive appropriate support.
Physical mobility limitations in adults with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review
- Authors:
- CLEAVER S., HUNTER D., OUELLETTE-KUNTZ H.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(2), February 2009, pp.93-105.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The specific aim of this study was to identify and summarise primary literature investigating mobility limitations in adults with ID. This study was a systematic review of the epidemiological literature (incidence and prevalence) of mobility limitations among adults with ID. Four electronic databases were searched from January 1980 to May 2007 for publications according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Additional sources were consulted. Two reviewers extracted data from each of the included articles. Thirty-two publications representing 31 studies were ultimately included. In general, studies did not focus on mobility but were conducted for other purposes. All studies were conducted in industrialised countries. Only one study used a longitudinal design; the remainders were cross-sectional. Few investigators reported on the representativeness of the sample or the validity of the measurement tool. Study samples differed substantially and investigators used numerous definitions of mobility limiting comparability between studies. There is a need for increased research on mobility limitations among adults with ID, particularly longitudinal research. Researchers investigating mobility limitations should use validated measurement tools and offer detailed descriptions of the study sample and how it compares with an identifiable population.
Impact of environmental factors on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic review
- Authors:
- VERDONSCHOT M. M. L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(1), January 2009, pp.54-64.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996–2006 in Pubmed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Three investigators assessed the relevance of the studies identified using predefined selection criteria. Aspects of community participation included were: domestic life; interpersonal interactions and relationships; major life areas; community, civic and social life. Environmental factors included were: products and technology; natural environment and human-made changes to environment; support and relationships; attitudes; services, systems and policies. Out of 236 initial hits, 9 quantitative studies and 2 qualitative studies met the predefined selection criteria and were included in the study. Various research instruments were used in the studies and only one study used a conceptual framework. The review allowed the identification of a number of environmental factors positively affecting participation: opportunities to make choices; variety and stimulation of the environment of facilities; opportunities for resident involvement in policy making; small residential facilities; opportunities for autonomy; vocational services; social support; family involvement; assistive technology; and positive staff attitudes. A number of identified environmental factors negatively affecting participation are: lack of transport and not feeling accepted.
Instruments for the detection of depressive symptoms in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review
- Authors:
- PEREZ-ACHIAGA N., NELSON S., HASSIOTIS A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 13(1), March 2009, pp.55-76.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Affective disorders, particularly depression, are common in adults with intellectual disabilities. However the detection of these disorders is hindered by the varied presentation of depressive symptoms across the range of intellectual disability. A systematic review of the available English-language diagnostic instruments for depressive disorders for adults with all levels of intellectual disability was undertaken. Studies were appraised based on the instruments' psychometric properties, sensitivity and specificity. Twenty one of 28 identified studies which contained original data on validity and reliability; the `gold standard' ranged from clinical opinion to other established instruments, some of which had limited validation in people with intellectual disability. In view of the benefits of psychological treatments for common mental disorders, it is important to develop instruments to be used in monitoring cognitive as well as behavioural outcomes for people with intellectual disability and depressive disorders.
Effects of psychosocial interventions for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems: a survey of systematic reviews
- Authors:
- GUSTAFSSON Carina, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 19(3), May 2009, pp.281-290.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The aim of this study is to provide a survey of systematic reviews that have evaluated the effects of psychosocial interventions for adult people with intellectual disabilities and/or an autistic syndrome with concurrent mental health problems. Reviews for inclusion were identified through searches of 10 electronic databases. The authors found that 3 out of 126 published reviews met the inclusion criteria for interventions, population, and being considered a systematic review. The results imply a weak scientific support for behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and some forms of integrated care and support. However, the primary studies included in the reviews have several methodological shortcomings. The results suggest future research initiatives in the direction of more effectiveness studies of good quality and reproduction of high-quality systematic reviews.
Dementia in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a report on the state of science on dementia in older adults with intellectual disabilities by the IASSID Special Interest Research Group on Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities
- Authors:
- STRYDOM Andre, et al
- Publisher:
- International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 49p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Canterbury
This systematic review summarises current knowledge on dementia in older people with learning disabilities. The review included papers published from 1997 to 2008. Findings are discussed in the areas of: epidemiology; presentation and symptoms; screening, assessment and diagnosis; non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions and issues for carers.
Community participation of people with an intellectual disability: a review of empirical findings
- Authors:
- VERDONSCHOT M. M. L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(4), April 2009, pp.303-318.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996–2006 on PubMed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Three investigators assessed the relevance of the initially identified studies using predefined content and methodological selection criteria. Included domains of community participation were: (1) domestic life; (2) interpersonal interactions and relationships; (3) major life areas; and (4) community, civic and social life. Of 2936 initial hits, 23 quantitative studies eventually met the selection criteria and were included in the study. Only two studies are based on a theoretical framework. Research instruments were various and were most often ad hoc and not validated. The average number of persons in the social network of people with ID appears to be 3.1, one of them usually being a professional service staff member. People with ID are 3–4 times less employed than non-disabled peers; they are less likely to be employed competitively and are more likely to work in sheltered workshops or in segregated settings than those with other disabilities. People with ID are less likely to be involved in community groups, and leisure activities are mostly solitary and passive in nature. Most of the people with ID had been accompanied in an activity by training/therapeutic staff. It can be concluded that on the basis of empirical evidence, within the time frame of this literature search, little is known about community participation of people with ID. Many researchers did not clearly define community participation and were concerned with limited areas of community participation; research is seldom based on a theoretical framework. Most studies focus on people with mild ID, and there are few reports of the subjects' sample. However, one conclusion can consistently be drawn from the review: people with ID living in community settings participate more than people living in a segregated setting, but their participation level is still much lower than non-disabled and other disability groups.