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An evaluation of the use of a computer game in improving the choice reaction time of adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- STANDEN P. J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 3(4), December 2009, pp.4-11.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Asserting that while there is an increasing body of work exploring the effects of interactive computer software on cognition, computer technology has not been fully exploited to improve cognitive function in people with intellectual disabilities, the authors of this study used a game that could be controlled by a switch to look at whether a group of participants with severe intellectual disabilities could learn to play the game and to see whether repeated sessions playing the game resulted in a decrease in choice reaction time (CRT). Specialist carers at a day centre for adults with intellectual disabilities nominated people matching the inclusion criteria, and 16 participants were randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group. Both groups completed a test of CRT before and after the intervention. The results were that the intervention group showed a significant reduction in their CRT from baseline, while the control group did not.
CREATE: summary of outcomes and benefits of an innovative therapeutic conservation programme
- Authors:
- SOUTHERN Hazel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Care Services Management, 3(2), January 2009, pp.176-188.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper describes the process by which Castlebeck - which provides specialist services with learning disabilities - began to look at ways of incorporating corporate social responsibility into the business in a meaningful way. The aim of the project CREATE was to provided the opportunity to create a new form of active community-based therapy for patients/residents, and improve staff satisfaction and engagement. Outcomes measures demonstrate a number of significant positive findings: a) statistically significant improvements in service users' self-esteem, social networks, physical health and skill development; b) staff involved have had reduced levels of sickness, increased levels of job satisfaction, increased skill development and improved attitudes; c) the local community has benefited from increased site visitor numbers, more positive community attitudes towards learning disabilities and increased biodiversity environmentally; d) positive awareness of Castlebeck has been increased locally and with key stakeholders.
Working with people with learning disabilities and offending behaviour: a handbook
- Authors:
- CHAPLIN Eddie, HENRY Jayne, HARDY Steve
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 162p.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
This handbook aims to provide up-to-date information on forensic issues in people with learning disabilities. It offers an introduction to working with people who have leaning disabilities and offending behaviour, or those who are at risk of offending behaviour, and looks at recent developments in services, treatment and legislation. Topics covered include an overview of offending, services and partnerships, legal and ethical considerations in the criminal justice system and the Mental Health Act, and psychopathology and offending. The chapter on clinical work discusses approaches to the management of various types of offenders including sexual offenders, fire setters, and violent offenders as well as considering issues around risk assessment. A glossary and extensive list of weblinks are provided. The Handbook covers the same ground as a companion training resource. It can be read independently or used to support the training course materials. Both publications are expected to be of value to forensic nurses, senior carers, behavioural and occupational therapists, trainers, probation services and other frontline staff.
Cross dressing and gender dysphoria in people with learning disabilities: a descriptive study
- Authors:
- PARKES Georgina, HALL Ian, WILSON Daniel
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), June 2009, pp.151-156.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The authors aimed to determine the characteristics of people with learning disability who cross-dress or who have gender dysphoria. they carried out a retrospective review of anonymised data from clinical records about people referred to a specialist service. All 13 participants cross-dressed and 12 were biological males. Only one person was in a core transsexual group which may do better from sex reassignment surgery. There was a high level of mental health problems and high levels of reported childhood abuse. Three people were unhappy about their homosexual feelings, and two people had capacity issues. People with learning disabilities experience a wide range of gender identity issues similar to those seen in the non-learning disabled population. They would benefit from a more person centred understanding. People with learning disability may need longer assessments and more psychotherapeutic exploration and intervention prior to thinking about hormone and surgical interventions. Deciding treatment in someone's best interests for those lacking capacity presents complex ethical dilemmas.