Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Inclusion under the Mental Capacity Act (2005): a review of research policy guidance and governance structures in England and Wales
- Authors:
- RYAN Hayley, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health Expectations, 24(1), 2021, pp.152-164. Online only
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: To investigate how people with communication and understanding difficulties, associated with conditions such as dementia, autism and intellectual disability, are represented in research guidance supplementary to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA: 2005) in England and Wales. Methods: A documentary survey was conducted. The sample comprised the MCA Code of Practice (CoP: 2007) and 14 multi‐authored advisory documents that were publicly available on the Health Research Authority website. Textual review of key words was conducted followed by summative content analysis. Results: Representation of people with communication and understanding difficulties was confined to procedural information and position statements that focused mainly on risk management and protection. Whilst a need to engage potential participants was recognized, guidance provided was imprecise. Conclusions: Tensions exist between the protection versus empowerment of people with communication and understanding difficulties in research. The development of structured, evidence‐based guidance is indicated. Patient or public contribution: People with communication and understanding difficulties and carers participated in a working group to explore, discuss and interpret the findings. (Edited publisher abstract)
Staff experience of the implementation of intensive interaction within their places of work with people with learning disabilities and/or autism
- Authors:
- BERRIDGE Samantha, HUTCHINSON Nick
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), 2021, pp.1-15.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Intensive interaction is an approach used to develop the communication and social inclusion of those who are pre‐verbal. It is used in a variety of settings by healthcare and educational staff. Method: A systematic search was conducted to identify and review the literature which explores staff experiences of intensive interaction being implemented within their places of work. Thematic synthesis was utilized to synthesize the findings. Results: Nine papers were included. Three higher‐order themes were generated: “Personal Doubt, Discordance & Discomfort,” “A Turning Point” and “Needing Implementation at All Levels.” Conclusions: There were consistent findings across a range of settings. Findings suggest that intensive interaction is rewarding for staff and beneficial to those that they work with. Implementation was sometimes perceived to be challenging and this review attempts to highlight solutions with guidance of the literature. Limitations largely relate to heterogeneity of the papers and methodological limitations are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Autism, sexual offending, and the criminal justice system
- Author:
- MOGAVERO Melanie Clark
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 7(3), 2016, pp.116-126.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: There has been growing concern among stakeholders about individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sex offending as research supports an indirect association. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, bring more awareness of the sexuality and deviant/criminal sexual behaviour among those with ASD to stakeholders in the criminal justice system (CJS). Second, demonstrate that much of the deviant or sexual offending behaviour exhibited among those with ASD is often a manifestation of their ASD symptoms and not malice. Third, demonstrate the necessity to address specific needs of individuals with ASD who enter the CJS due to criminal sexual behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides an overview of the ASD symptomology, including the diagnostic changes, a review of the literature on ASD and sexuality, which includes deviant sexual behaviour and sexual offending. Findings: The author linked examples of deviant or sexual behavior in the research literature to the ASD symptomology and described how the symptomology explains such behaviour. Originality/value: Sexual offending among those with ASD has received little research outside the mental health field. This review is of particular importance to those in the CJS unfamiliar with ASD, as they should handle them differently with regard to formal interviewing, measures of competency, capacity, and sentencing. (Edited publisher abstract)
The diagnostic boundary between autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Authors:
- BERTELLI Marco O., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(5), 2015, pp.243-264.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: During the last few years the prevalence of autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased greatly. A recurring issue is the overlap and boundaries between Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), ASD and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). In clinical practice with people with IDD, the alternative or adjunctive diagnosis of ASD or SSD is particularly challenging. The purpose of this paper is to define the boundaries and overlapping clinical characteristics of IDD, ASD and SSD; highlight the most relevant differences in clinical presentation; and provide a clinical framework within which to recognize the impact of IDD and ASD in the diagnosis of SSD. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic mapping of the international literature was conducted on the basis of the following questions: first, what are considered to be core and overlapping aspects of IDD, ASD and SSD; second, what are the main issues in clinical practice; and third, can key diagnostic flags be identified to assist in differentiating between the three diagnostic categories? Findings: Crucial clinical aspects for the differentiation resulted to be age of onset, interest towards others, main positive symptoms, and anatomical anomalies of the central nervous system. More robust diagnostic criteria and semeiological references are desirable. Originality/value: The present literature mapping provides a comprehensive description of the most relevant differences in the clinical presentation of ASD and SSD in persons with IDD. (Publisher abstract)
Experience of children and young people cared for in mental health, learning disability and autism inpatient settings
- Author:
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH RESEARCH
- Publisher:
- National Institute for Health Research
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Place of publication:
- London
This themed review explores the experience of young people with mental health problems, learning disability or autism in specialist inpatient mental health care. A young person may require admission if their disorder means that they are at high risk of self-harm or pose a risk to others. They may also be admitted if they need more intensive treatment and assessment than is possible in a community setting. This Themed Review does not cover young people's experience of inpatient paediatric care (for physical needs) or issues such as inappropriate admission to adult mental health services. Overall, we identify four key influences on how children and young people experience inpatient care. These are drawn from the research evidence base, but also from the experiential evidence provided by children, young people and their parents. The four themes are: quality of relationships; normality; use of restrictive practices; expectations and outcomes. The review identifies three key action points to address this significant area of need; recognise the interdependence of experience, treatment outcomes, and other factors; promote timely identification and action to address unmet needs; and equip staff with the resources, capacity and authority to improve experience. (Edited publisher abstract)
Internet use for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities: a literature review and thematic synthesis
- Authors:
- CATON Sue, KOIVUNEN Emma-Reetta, ALLISON Callum
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 23(3), 2019, pp.446-468.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Being a family carer can be rewarding but can also lead to mental and physical exhaustion as well as feelings of social exclusion and isolation. Research has shown that the use of the Internet and online forums can provide an immediate place to find information and reassurance and that forum use can be an empathetic place to share experiences and seek emotional support. This article details a systematic literature search of research on carers of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism using the Internet. A thematic synthesis of the resulting papers identified that online forums give carers a sense of agency by providing a place to go for informational support that may not be elsewhere. Carers also enjoyed the safe community of solidarity and emotional support that online forums provide. An important finding is the lack of published papers in this area with the inclusion of just eight papers. (Edited publisher abstract)
A review of social skills interventions for adults with autism and intellectual disability
- Authors:
- BUNDOCK Kerrie Elizabeth, HEWITT Olivia
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(3), 2017, pp.148-158.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Individuals with autism and intellectual disability (ID) have increased needs regarding social interaction. Social skills interventions have focussed on children; however, development of these skills is important across the lifespan. The purpose of this paper is to critically review strategies and interventions used to develop social skills with adults with autism and ID. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature search identified five studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings: Positive outcomes were reported in promoting positive social behaviours. However, it is not possible to make conclusions regarding the efficacy of social skills interventions for this population due to the limited quantifiable data and small sample sizes. Research limitations/implications: The limited number of studies in the review impacts on its conclusions. Two of the papers included only one participant with both ID and autism. Practical implications: A range of people need to be involved in supporting and developing social skills (peers, care staff, professionals). More research is needed in a variety of settings. Future research should attend to consistency of outcome measurement, service user perspectives, generalisation of skills, and documenting consent procedures. Originality/value: This review focussed on interventions for both positive and negative social behaviours used with adults with ID (of all levels) and autism. (Publisher abstract)
GPS devices for elopement of people with autism and other developmental disabilities: a review of the published literature
- Authors:
- HAYWARD Brent, RANSLEY Fiona, MEMERY Rhiannon
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 13(1), 2016, pp.69-75.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Elopement, sometimes referred to as absconding, is defined as leaving an area without supervision or carer permission. The authors reviewed the evidence for the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as an intervention for elopement in people with autism and other developmental disabilities. They found few studies that explored the practicalities of GPS device use among carers of persons with developmental disabilities (most studies have been with carers of people with dementia) and even less research that focused on the testing of the functionality of GPS devices to locate cognitively-impaired persons. They conclude that this forces the existing empirical research to be sidelined in favour of non-evidence-based situational management strategies, of which the use of GPS devices is potentially a viable one. They also note that the results have important implications for policy and practice as there is little evidence to support the widespread recommendation that GPS devices are an effective intervention to prevent risk associated with elopement. (Edited publisher abstract)
How can mental health clinicians, working in intellectual disability services, meet the spiritual needs of their service users?
- Authors:
- LOYNES Benjamin, O'HARA Jean
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 9(1), 2015, pp.9-18.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify approaches that mental health clinicians, working in intellectual disability services, can adopt to ensure the spiritual needs of their service users are met. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative literature review examining original research, expert opinion pieces and book chapters was undertaken. To broaden the perspective of the paper, publications from different academic areas were reviewed including intellectual disabilities, mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders, general health and spirituality literature. Findings: The main principles of spiritual assessment tools from the general health literature can be applied to this group. However, the literature would suggest that certain approaches are of particular importance in intellectual disabilities mental health including advocating for service users to attend the religious services they wish to and working collaboratively with families and carers when addressing spiritual issues. Research limitations/implications: The question of how to meet the spiritual needs of people with autism and severe intellectual disability is a neglected research area. Research examining the spiritual needs of service users with intellectual disabilities, on mental health inpatient units, is also needed as well as a review of whether spiritual needs are being met in current person-centred care plans. Originality/value: No published literature review was identified that specifically addressed the question of how mental health clinicians should approach the spiritual needs of their service users. (Publisher abstract)
Adults with autism spectrum disorder and learning disability presenting with challenging behaviour: how tolerant should we be?
- Authors:
- RAGGI Cristian, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 4(1/2), 2013, pp.42-52.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Reporting to the police incidents of challenging behaviour displayed by inpatients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and learning disability (LD) represents an important but often controversial issue. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this topic through a brief literature review and the presentation of a clinical case. Design/methodology/approach: Case study and literature review. Findings: The action of reporting to the police can be a useful tool within the therapeutic input provided to patients with ASD and LD who present with challenging behaviour. This can enable staff to feel legally supported, and can promote patients’ learning of social rules, in respect of their rights and duties. The clinical case highlighted that reporting to the police can be effective when it is part of a comprehensive, multi-professional therapeutic process. This should aim at directing patients towards rehabilitation rather than incarceration. This should also entail the identification of clear pathways and ongoing involvement of patients and families. Originality/value – Despite the relevance for clinical practice of the above debate, little has been published on this topic. This paper contributes to this discussion through the presentation of a clinical case and by describing how this issue was addressed within a secure inpatient setting. (Publisher abstract)