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A review of the emotional, psychiatric and behavioural responses to bereavement in people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- DODD P., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 49(7), July 2005, pp.537-543.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
There is a growing understanding that bereavement and loss represent a significant event in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This paper examines current opinion regarding pathological grief in the general population, discusses the ability of people with IDs to understand the concept of death and presents a review of research into the emotional, behavioural and psychiatric responses to bereavement in people with IDs.
First impressions: emotional and practical support for families of young children with a learning disability: a guide for practitioners and service commissioners
- Author:
- DAVIES Jill
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 30p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This project researched the emotional needs of families where there is a child with learning disabilities, from the time of the diagnosis to the age of five years. This was in recognition of the fact that the way parents are told the news of their child's disability and the support they receive is crucial to the future of the whole family . This was achieved through conducting a literature review and a small study. The research involved in-depth interviews with twenty-two parents to find out the following information: how the diagnosis was given to them; what information they received immediately after the diagnosis and in the following couple of years ;what support, both emotional and practical, they received from the time of birth to the age of five years; and what the impact of having a child with a disability was on the family.
Diagnosing intellectual disability in a forensic sample: gender and age effects on the relationship between cognitive and adaptive functioning
- Author:
- HAYES Susan C.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 30(2), June 2005, pp.97-103.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study aims to examine gender and age effects on the relationship between adaptive behaviour and cognitive functioning in offenders with intellectual disabilities. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT) were administered to 202 volunteer participants accused or convicted of crimes in Australia, 9% being of Australian indigenous background. The sample included males and females, juveniles and adults. Significant correlations were found between all subtests and domains on each instrument; for males under 18 years, correlations were lower, and significant correlations were absent between K-BIT Vocabulary and VABS subdomains and composite standard score for this group. The results conclude that generally there is convergence between assessment of adaptive behaviour and cognitive skills, across age ranges and for both genders. Caution is needed in interpreting test results for young male offenders with possible intellectual disability; repeat assessments are advisable for this group.
The PAS–ADD Checklist: independent replication of its psychometric properties in a community sample
- Authors:
- STURMEY Peter, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 186(4), April 2005, pp.310-323.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The development of reliable, valid measures of psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities is an important task. However, independent replication studies are rarely reported. The aim was to report data on the psychometric properties of the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (PAS–ADD) Checklist. The PAS–ADD Checklist was completed for 226 adults as part of the assessment process for a specialist mental health service for people with intellectual disabilities. Internal consistency was acceptable. Factor analysis revealed one main factor that was characterised by items related to mood. The Checklist was sensitive to differences between diagnostic groups and had an overall sensitivity of 66%; its specificity was 70%. The PAS–ADD Checklist is a quick and easy to use screening tool. Although at present it is the best measure available, it should not be the only method used to identify psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disabilities.
Providing care for adults with autistic spectrum disorders in learning disability services: needs-based or diagnosis-driven?
- Authors:
- BENNETT Heather E., WOOD Clare L., HARE Dougal Julian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 18(1), March 2005, pp.57-64.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study assessed whether a Learning Disability Service should develop a specific autism strategy or provide services on a needs-led basis. An autism screening questionnaire had been used to identify individuals scoring above a cut-off who had (n = 9) or had not (n = 15) received a formal diagnosis of autism. A sample of low scorers (n = 22) were matched to these groups. Questionnaires assessing service provision, needs (disabilities and challenging behaviour), quality of life and knowledge of autism were sent to relatives of individuals living at home or key-workers for those living in supported housing. The high scoring groups had similar levels of needs. Those diagnosed with autism received more services in total while the high scoring group without autism diagnoses scored significantly lower on quality of life. Although these differences were not maintained when level of disability was taken into account, it appeared that there was some level of unmet need in the high scorers without autism diagnoses group. It appeared that resources should be targeted at identifying and addressing the specific needs of individuals presenting with autistic spectrum difficulties.
Over the sea and far away: ways of overcoming some of the difficulties arising in work with adults with learning disabilities living in geographical isolation in the United Kingdom
- Author:
- BELL Dorothy M.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 33(4), December 2005, pp.180-187.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
A case example is used to illustrate ways of adapting service provision for a range of difficulties to suit a person with learning disabilities and also where there may be limited access due to a remote and rural location.
Ascertaining the prevalence of childhood disability
- Authors:
- HUTCHINSON T., GORDON D.
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 31(1), January 2005, pp.99-107.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim was to reapply 1985 Office of Population Census and Surveys (OPCS) disability survey methods, modified as necessary, to a sample of children to ascertain presence of disability, and then compare OPCS-based prevalence with prevalence based on carer's views and medical records. Medical records of 46% contained a diagnosis. Carers were always aware of this, although a single question did not always elicit their knowledge. OPCS-derived threshold disability criteria in categories of Hand function, Personal care, Consciousness and Continence gave prevalence results similar to medical records and carers. OPCS criteria yielded higher prevalence of disability in the areas of Locomotion (8%), Communication (14%) and Hearing (18%). Carers, OPCS and medical records disagreed markedly about prevalence of disabilities of Vision, probably because of the use of differing definitions. OPCS learning criteria were judged unsuitable and standard attainment targets (SATs) were substituted. These provided similar prevalence figures to carers and medical records. OPCS behaviour criteria were also unsuitable and were replaced by the General Health and Behaviour Questionnaire (GHBQ). This found an increased prevalence of problems compared with carers and doctors. Diagnostic labels have limited use when collecting data about disabled children. Doubt is cast on the validity of some of the 1985 OPCS threshold criteria, and reassessment is suggested before their future use. Further work is needed on the use of SATs and GHBQ in the benchmarking of disability. To collect population data it would be easier and at least equally effective (with caution in the case of Vision) to ask carers directly rather than applying descriptive thresholds and external judgements. Similar information could be obtained from medical records, however, they are likely to be out of date.