Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 19
Down syndrome: systematic review of the prevalence and nature of presentation of unipolar depression
- Authors:
- WALTON Catherine, KERR Mike
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(4), 2015, pp.151-162.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence and nature of presentation of unipolar depression in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Design/methodology/approach: The PRISMA (2009) checklist for systematic review was followed where possible. Findings: Eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis from a total of 634 records identified. The quality of the studies was then assessed: the studies all scored either 5 or 6 out of 6. The incidence of depression ranged between studies from 5 to 13 per cent. It was found that depression is more common in DS than the general intellectual disability population; this on a background of mental ill health of all causes being less common in DS. It was suggested that, excluding organic disorders, depression is the most common psychiatric problem in DS. In terms of the nature of depression, the evidence was less clear. Various “vegetative” and biological symptoms were observed, with no fixed pattern. There was evidence for withdrawal symptoms and psychosis. Research limitations/implications: The small number of studies included in this review, and their heterogeneity, highlights the need for further original research in this field. Practical implications: - An increased awareness of the frequency of depression in individuals with DS will aid in a timely diagnosis, therefore reduce psychiatric morbidity. Clinicians should be aware of the varied presentation, with no clear clinical picture, in order to maintain a high index of suspicion in an individual presenting with “atypical” symptoms. Originality/value This review has provided preliminary evidence that depression may be the most commonly experienced psychiatric disorder in DS. (Publisher abstract)
Swansea People First Peer Health Advocacy project
- Authors:
- COLEMAN Lynn, OWENS Mark
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 81, Autumn 2006, pp.18-19.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
The first author explains the work of the Swansea People First Peer Health Advocacy Project. The second author briefly recounts his own experience as a group member.
COG: a new forum for new times
- Author:
- ROPER Adrian
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 75, Winter 2005, pp.9-11.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
The Chair of the newly-formed Chief Officers Group explains why the time is right for provider organisations to present a more unified voice within the Standing Conference of Voluntary Organisations for people with a learning disability in Wales.
A skill for the people – a service for the community – good for the environment
- Author:
- WARNER Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 103, Summer 2012, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
DRIVE is a voluntary organisation in Rhondda Cynon Taf providing supported living and day service opportunities for people with a learning disability in a social enterprise setting. Having run a horticultural project for 25 years at Pontyclun, they have recently been creative and innovative in getting funding to provide a new food composting service for local primary schools in the area. This article talks to the project manager and members of DRIVE’s Future Skills Project to explore how the food composting service is progressing, and what clients views of the service are.
Active support: a handbook for supporting people with learning disabilities to lead full lives
- Authors:
- JONES Edwin, et al
- Publisher:
- ARC
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 60p.
- Place of publication:
- Chesterfield
The authors of the Active Support Handbook have updated the original 6 booklets to create a useful Handbook. The active support project was a highly successful project in Wales, which has now become the UK-wide Active Support Practice Development Service. The Active Support Service can provide training, consultancy and information to any organisation wishing to implement Active Support. Active Support is proven to improve the lives of service users, making it easier to live independently and have greater quality of life. The Active Support Handbook is organised into four sections. Part one: an overview – this looks at what active support is, how to implement it and why it is so important. Part two: interacting to promote participation – this looks at supporting engagement, dealing with problems and thinking in steps. Part three: activity support plans – this part details what an activity support plan is, how it can be used, keeping track of these plans and administration. Part four: maintaining quality – this looks at working as a team, being consistent, positive managerial support, using the information recorded and quality assurance. The Active Support Handbook is a useful resource for anyone supporting people in an adult social care setting.
Opening doors
- Author:
- CHIMBA Innocent
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 83, Spring 2007, pp.9-11.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
The author reports on the progress of a new project which aims to extend the advocacy support services provided by Advocacy Action Wales (AAW) to adults with a learning disability from the black and ethnic minority communities in the Gwent region. The project is funded by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD).
Leisure and Respite Care (LARC)
- Author:
- GRIFFITHS Janet
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 81, Autumn 2006, pp.14-17.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
The author, LARC's Honorary Secretary, explains how and why LARC was established and her hopes for the future. LARC provides a programme of Family Relief weekends for adults with a learning disability in Wales.
Intellectual disabilities and ACT: feasibility of a photography-based values intervention
- Authors:
- BOULTON Natalie Elizabeth, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 12(1), 2018, pp.11-21.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: There is limited evidence regarding clinical effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous research has highlighted challenges regarding adaptation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people with ID. Central to ACT is a focus on living in congruence with individual core values. The concept of values is abstract and difficult for people with a limited verbal understanding to comprehend, and yet this approach holds much promise for people with ID. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: The current study outlines the adaptations undertaken to facilitate making the concept of values more accessible to people with ID. It also explores the feasibility of the adapted approach to the values component. Findings: This trial has shown that it is possible to isolate a single component of ACT and adapt it for use with people with ID. The findings highlight the potential feasibility of a value-based approach for people with ID augmented through the use of participant-produced photography to enhance conceptual understanding of the values component of ACT. Research limitations/implications: Findings were reliant on self-report data, which may result in inaccurate reporting and may be influenced by social demands. Given the diverse and unique presentations of people with ID, the inclusion and exclusion criteria limits the extent to which the current findings may be generalised to people with ID more widely.Practical implications: Participant-produced photography may be directly applied to clinical practice, with implied benefits of improving access to, and meaningful engagement with psychological therapies for people with ID. Development of (and ability to articulate) a readily available and easily accessible values system, during times of adversity, represents a key implication arising from the current trial. Originality/value: The current study shows that people with intellectual disability can be helped to appreciate abstract concepts such as personal core values. It also shows the potential to work through the medium of personal photography to explore the feasibility of the adapted approach to the values component – potentially a logical preliminary step towards an ACT-ID evidence base. To the authors’ knowledge, this novel approach is the first of its kind in the ID literature. (Edited publisher abstract)
Service evaluation of a Specialist Memory Clinic for adults with ID in South Wales
- Authors:
- BAYLEY Amanda, AMOAKO Annika, EL-TAHIR Mohamed Omer
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 11(4), 2017, pp.145-154.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a service evaluation project of the Specialist Memory Clinic for people with intellectual disabilities in South Wales using the Dementia guidelines published by the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (BPS/RCPsych, 2015). Design/methodology/approach: Clinical audit using case notes of patients attending Memory Clinics during 2011 and 2015 benchmarked against best practice guidelines; carers feedback from Memory Clinic attendance; and evaluation of the training sessions to carers. Findings: Audit findings show full compliance with standards (100 per cent) except for the baseline assessment for people with Down syndrome. Carer’s evaluation and feedback was positive and constructive. Training evaluation indicates improvement in knowledge and positively received sessions. Research limitations/implications: The small number of people included and possibility of high motivated team may affect the service evaluation result. Practical implications: It is possible for the Community Learning Disability team to meet the standards published (BPS/RCPsych, 2015) through multidisciplinary working. Originality/value: Initial service evaluation completed after published guidelines for Dementia care by the BPS/RCPsych (2015). (Publisher abstract)
Safeguarding adults with a learning disability in England and Wales: money, markets, and ethically sustainable care
- Authors:
- PARKER Jo, GALPIN Di
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Care Services Management, 6(4), 2012, pp.149-155.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Despite marked improvements in the past 30 years in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, including the closure of long stay hospitals, there have been a number of recent failures in health care, including cases of abuse, neglect, and ill-treatment of adults with learning disabilities. These, and a number of recent high-profile criminal cases, appeared to confirm that adults with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to breaches of their human rights. The evidence suggests that some providers of services not fully committed to the implementation of the Government's policy in Valuing People and that limited conception of human need and human well-being are undermining attempts to implement the aims of that policy effectively. This paper recommends the introduction of a positive duty on providers to promote respect for human rights. Taking a positive and proactive approach to the creation of a culture of human rights will encourage a move away from negative attitudes and stereotypes which have ‘dehumanised’ adults with learning disabilities in the past by focusing on providing services that encourage human flourishing and a good life for all who are vulnerable and at risk of harm. (Edited publisher abstract)