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Representation of people with intellectual disabilities in a British newspaper in 1983 and 2001
- Authors:
- WILKINSON Penny, McGILL Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(1), January 2009, pp.65-76.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Articles from The Guardian newspaper in 2001 were analysed and compared to a previous analysis of material published in 1983 the examine the media representation of people with intellectual disabilities. There was much more coverage of people with autism or Down syndrome than expected from their actual frequency in the British population of people with intellectual disabilities. Newspaper reports continued to be about children more often than expected when about autism or Down syndrome, but not when about people with other intellectual disabilities. Medically related representations were less than in the past but juxtaposition with other client groups continued. More 'people-first' terminology was now used except in respect of people with autism. Articles systematically under-represented complexity and severity of need. Policy and service changes may have contributed to the decline of medically- and child-related representations within non-specific intellectual disabilities. The continued over-representation of children in articles about autism and Down syndrome, and the generally increased reference to people with those syndromes, suggests growing differentiation within the population of people with intellectual disabilities. The focus on people with less severe or complex disabilities echoes criticisms of Valuing People.
Assessment of dementia in people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- TORR Jennifer
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 3(3), September 2009, pp.3-9.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are at least as prevalent in older people with learning disabilities as in the general population. In addition, people with Down’s syndrome have high rates of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Assessment of dementia in people with learning disabilities is made difficult by pre-existing cognitive and functional impairments and high rates of comorbid disorders. This paper discusses the assessment of dementia in people with learning disabilities. The assessment procedure needs to include a comprehensive description of baseline functioning and pattern of decline, rigorous medical work-up and treatment of identified conditions, serial cognitive assessments, and functional and risk assessments to guide care planning.
Screening adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia
- Author:
- MCBRIEN Judith
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 17(3), June 2009, pp.3-7.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article outlines the case for learning disability teams to provide routine screening of adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia. It is illustrated by reference to practice in one such service where clinical and research developments have gone hand in hand, with tangible benefits to clients, carers and the multi-disciplinary team. Although specifically designed to meet the challenge of the increasing number of people with Down's syndrome who develop dementia, it is applicable to the care of all people with learning disabilities.
Freddie's super summer
- Author:
- GAYNOR Kate
- Publisher:
- Special Stories
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 21p.
- Place of publication:
- Dublin
This is one of a series of books featuring characters with a certain special education need, designed to introduce all children to the positive aspects of inclusive education, and help children to learn the importance of accepting friends and classmates who are different to them. In this story Freddie, a boy with Downs syndrome, goes to summer camp. Notes for adults on how to use the book are included.
'What's the next stage?' Mothers of young adults with Down syndrome explore the path to independence: a qualitative investigation
- Authors:
- DOCHERTY Julie, REID Kate
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(5), September 2009, pp.458-467.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The values and beliefs of eight mothers of young adults with Down syndrome who are currently involved in supporting their offspring in the possible transition from dependence to independence are explored. The mothers, all living in Scotland, were interviewed and the results were thematically analysed using the qualitative approach, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The mothers described themselves as having a dynamic role as both gate-keepers and facilitators in aiding their offspring on the path to adulthood. These findings are not consistent with findings of previous research, which suggested that mothers in this situation are personally and socially inclined to limit the transition of their offspring to an independent adulthood. The discussion explores the possible reasons for this change and proposes clarification to existing theoretical frameworks for understanding mothers' perspectives.
Championing inclusion
- Author:
- McMILLAN Ian A.
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 9(4), June 2009, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
This article looks at an initiative that uses football to help people with learning disabilities get fit, make friends and feel more part of the community. Fulham FC's Community Sports Trust has collaborated with the Down's Syndrome Association and other organisations to created the Fulham Badgers. Training sessions are held every Friday and attract 20-25 players. Respiratory and heart conditions common in young people with Downs are taken into account and the sessions are conducted at the players' own pace. The group has appeared at Fulham's ground on match days, taking part in half time penalty shoot outs, appearing with the club mascot and interacting with players. Parents also appreciate the sessions, as they provide an opportunity to get together and swap stories.
Prepared for the future?: information to prepare families when a young person with a learning disability is leaving school or college
- Authors:
- MORGAN Hazel, DAVIES Jill
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 33p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, in the second phase of its What Kind of future? project, has worked with young people who have Down’s syndrome. This booklet has been prepared on the basis of what the participants have said would be helpful. It provides information on: the role of family and friends; government support and initiatives; personalisation and person centred planning; access to care; further education and specialist colleges; employment opportunities, including voluntary work and supported employment; daytime, evening and weekend activities; friendships; short term breaks; moving from the family home and housing; health; support for carers; and how and where to complain in case of difficulties. Each section is written in non technical language and provides contact details, real life experiences and a checklist of what needs to be considered.
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.
Developmental disability and ageing
- Editors:
- O'BRIEN Gregory, ROSENBLOOM Lewis, (eds.)
- Publisher:
- Mac Keith
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 131p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Aimed at clinicians and others who are engaged in caring for ageing adults with developmental disabilities, this handbook is intended to inform understanding, promote assessment, assist care planning, and improve everyday living for this group of vulnerable individuals. It provides a brief general overview, discusses dementia in the context of developmental disability, and looks at the patterns of ageing of two of the major groups of developmental disabilities, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, and at other syndromes and their characteristics with ageing. It covers drug treatment for common problems among elderly people with developmental disabilities (including dementia), and considers issues of psychosocial intervention and life planning for ageing individuals with developmental disability. The book provides brief case examples, cites key evidence, and indicates sources of further reading.
Our family, our future: 30 families with disabled children tell their stories
- Author:
- CONTACT A FAMILY
- Publisher:
- Contact a Family
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 68p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Thirty families from across the UK whose children are affected by a range of disabilities tell their story. Parents talk about their children's achievements, acknowledge the challenges, reflect on their aspirations and fears for the future.