British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.181-188.
Publisher:
Wiley
Limited progress has been made in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to form intimate relationships. A critical factor that has been rarely researched is the attitude of the general public which likely has a significant influence on public policy on this issue. Unique to Ireland, are the five-yearly national surveys commissioned by the National Disability Authority that recruit representative samples of over 1000 adult persons. On three occasions in the past 10 years, respondents were asked to rate their agreement that people with various disabilities and with mental health difficulties had the right to fulfilment through sexual relationships and to have children if they wished. Secondary analysis of the 2011 data set identified those persons who were more likely to be in agreement and also the concerns raised by respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to priorities for future research and actions needed to reduce the stigma associated with disability or mental ill health.
(Publisher abstract)
Limited progress has been made in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to form intimate relationships. A critical factor that has been rarely researched is the attitude of the general public which likely has a significant influence on public policy on this issue. Unique to Ireland, are the five-yearly national surveys commissioned by the National Disability Authority that recruit representative samples of over 1000 adult persons. On three occasions in the past 10 years, respondents were asked to rate their agreement that people with various disabilities and with mental health difficulties had the right to fulfilment through sexual relationships and to have children if they wished. Secondary analysis of the 2011 data set identified those persons who were more likely to be in agreement and also the concerns raised by respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to priorities for future research and actions needed to reduce the stigma associated with disability or mental ill health.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
surveys, sexuality, public opinion, learning disabilities, autism, parenting, mental health problems, sensory impairments, physical disabilities;
This book brings together contributions from the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand, that cover existing practices for interventions with young people at risk, that are positive in nature, such as the collaboration between multi-disciplinary teams and young people, joint-working practices and building on some young peoples’ strengths during adolescence, of inherent resilience, peer group support and mentoring, and ability to self care. In addition, Parts III to VIII detail the darker topics of suicide and self-harm, confrontational behaviour (including gangs, bullying and fire-starting), substance misuse, sexual behaviour (including health and sexuality issues), mental health problems (including eating disorders, depression, cult group membership) and marginalised young people and looked after children, with the various, expert contributors giving their ideas on the best methods for risk assessment and practical interventions with vulnerable young people experiencing these difficulties. Themes of anti-oppressive practice, and the importance of culture, values and ethics run throughout the 17 chapters of text as well as the editor’s introduction and summary.
This book brings together contributions from the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand, that cover existing practices for interventions with young people at risk, that are positive in nature, such as the collaboration between multi-disciplinary teams and young people, joint-working practices and building on some young peoples’ strengths during adolescence, of inherent resilience, peer group support and mentoring, and ability to self care. In addition, Parts III to VIII detail the darker topics of suicide and self-harm, confrontational behaviour (including gangs, bullying and fire-starting), substance misuse, sexual behaviour (including health and sexuality issues), mental health problems (including eating disorders, depression, cult group membership) and marginalised young people and looked after children, with the various, expert contributors giving their ideas on the best methods for risk assessment and practical interventions with vulnerable young people experiencing these difficulties. Themes of anti-oppressive practice, and the importance of culture, values and ethics run throughout the 17 chapters of text as well as the editor’s introduction and summary.
Subject terms:
joint working, intervention, looked after children, mental health problems, mentoring, multidisciplinary services, peer groups, resilience, risk assessment, self care, self-harm, sexuality, sexually transmitted infections, substance misuse, suicide, vulnerable children, young adults, young offenders, young people, adolescence, bullying, collaboration, depression, eating disorders, gangs;
Location(s):
Australia, Europe, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States