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Comparing residential programmes for adults with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability: outcomes of challenging behaviour and quality of life
- Authors:
- GERBER F., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(9), September 2011, pp.918-932.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Behavioural challenges have limited research using quality of life (QoL) as a treatment outcome in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). This study combine QoL measures and objective observations of challenging behaviours (CB) to evaluate changes in adults with ASD and ID treated in different residential programmes in Switzerland. The authors hypothesised that a decrease in CB would be related to an improved QoL. This 45-month study followed 31 adults with ASD and ID who had been integrated into two residential programmes Autism Programme with a Structured Method (PAMS) vs. traditional programme for ID (No-PAMS)] for 2–19 years. QoL [Quality of Life Inventory in a Residential Environment (IQVMR)] and severity of autistic features (Childhood Autism Rating Scales) were evaluated annually. CB, as measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC), including stereotypic behaviour and inappropriate speech, were repeatedly assessed every 3 months. In the PAMS programme, stereotypic behaviour and inappropriate speech (ABC scores) significantly decreased, and the IQVMR total score increased; in contrast, in the No-PAMS group, ABC scores did not change and the IQVMR total score decreased. Further analysis partially confirmed that the PAMS programme had an effect on CB and that QoL improvement did not directly depend on the type of programme but on reducing CB as measured by the ABC.
The emotional lives of people with learning disability
- Author:
- ARTHUR Andrew R.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.25-30.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper reviews accounts of research and therapy and makes an assessment of the current state of knowledge. Very little research actually exists when compared to the non-learning disabled, and so, studies of psychotherapy, child development, parent-infant bonding, psychological assessment and emotional disturbance in people with learning disability are examined. The review finds that there is evidence to suggest the presence of a significantly higher level of emotional developmental problems and disturbance in people with learning disability. This problem requires multidisciplinary attention if progress in improving quality of life is to be maintained.
Overcoming mutism in adults with learning disabilities: a case study
- Authors:
- BELL Dorothy M., ESPIE Colin A.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.47-53.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper considers the case of a woman of 36 years of age with Down's syndrome who had shown selective mutism for over 14 years, although this had become almost complete mutism for the last 8 years. The case was assessed and the woman was asked if she would be willing to participate in an attempt to reinforce communication and to gradually increase the number of words whispered or spoken in the presence of one person at first - the first author. Nonaversive behavioural methods were used and response initiation procedures were developed. Later, generalization of vocalizations to other people in other environments was encouraged. Sessions were carried out three times a week for about 2 months with rapid success. The woman's quality of life at home and her social interactions at the resource centre were also reported to have improved.
Grief and intellectual disability: a systemic approach
- Author:
- BLACKMAN Noelle J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 38(1/2), 2002, pp.253-263.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
People with intellectual disabilities are living longer, which in turn leads to a higher probability that they will experience significant loss due to the death of someone they know. This paper describes a systemic therapeutic model, ROC, which combines bereavement therapy with training and support for staff. On reporting the effects of the ROC model, it is noted that changes over time in the type and nature of referrals has shown the therapeutic value of the program. The author makes a case that the best way to detect and possibly prevent serious emotional problems in this population is to provide training and support in dealing with death and related issues for the service network surrounding these individuals.