JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Stress, Anxiety and Coping in Adults With Down Syndrome: An Exploratory Co-Research Study
Scott A, Gould R, Quidore L, Koeut-Futch K, Bock E, Kumar PS, Christensen S, Edouard A, Golden B, Rapp E, Sigelko K, Sokoloff A, Versfelt C and Rubenstein E
At least half of children and adults with Down syndrome have a major mental health concern during their life but few studies ask people with Down syndrome directly about their experience. We used a co-research model to explore anxiety, stress, and coping in adults with Down syndrome.
'It's Got Its Ups and Downs': What People With Intellectual Disabilities Living in Supported Living and Residential Care Like and Dislike About Their Home
Ribenfors F, Blood L, Hatton C and Marriott A
Given the current sociopolitical climate, people with intellectual disabilities are spending more time at home. Much housing-related research focuses on informant-completed measures and quantifiable outcomes. By contrast, this article explores the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities concerning what they liked or disliked about their homes.
Mental Health Services for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Patient Characteristics, Associated Factors and Consequent Needs for Adaptation in Assessment and Treatment
Karlsen K, Munkhaugen EK, Fossum HK, Bakken TL and Kildahl AN
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of mental health disorders, but may struggle to access appropriate services. While assessment/treatment may need to be adapted, knowledge is limited about what such adaptations may entail.
Assistive Technology Uses and Barriers in the Home and Workplace for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Randall KN, Drew H, Gilman ES and Dixon E
Assistive technology (AT) has been successfully used by researchers and practitioners to increase task completion and independence in work and home environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While prior research has shown increased outcomes of incorporating AT into daily tasks, research has also indicated that actual use of AT in these settings is much lower.
Feasibility, Experiences and Short-Term Outcomes on Challenging Behaviour and Well-Being of a Partially Online Music Intervention Pilot Study for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Smeets GJJ, Volkers KM, Swart EAK, Moonen XMH and Scherder EJA
During the COVID-19 pandemic we implemented a partially online music intervention to examine the feasibility, experiences and short-term outcomes on the challenging behaviour and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities.
The Organisational Characteristics That Enable Successful Employment Transition for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Joyce A, Campbell P, Crosbie J and Wilson E
Social enterprises have the potential to address some of the current barriers that people with an intellectual disability experience in transitioning to open employment opportunities. However, it is unknown in detail how social enterprises are able to facilitate this transition, which limits ability to scale-up these organisational characteristics and strategies.
Leveraging Observation Research to Improve Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disability: Guidance for Adapting Tools
Lindström ER and McFadden KA
Students with intellectual disability benefit from high-quality instruction in reading and mathematics.
The Behavior Problem Inventory-Short Form: Psychometric Properties in a Spanish Sample of Intellectual Disabilities
Reyes-Martin J, Simó-Pinatella D and Andrés A
Behavioural problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities have a negative impact on them. Limited assessment measures exist in Spain. This study aimed to validate the Behavior Problems Inventory-Short Form (BPI-S) in the Spanish population by examining its psychometric properties and factorial structures.
Parent Involvement in Post-School Transition Services for Senior High School Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Hsieh YJ, Ho WS and Sun SJ
Parents play a key role in the transition process of their children. After high school students with intellectual disabilities leave the school system, they need the cooperation of schools and families to ensure successful employment and independent living.
Hypothyroidism in a Psychiatric Outpatient Population of People With Intellectual Disabilities
Chester V, Cherukat M, Smith N, Patteril E, Sawhney I, Zia A and Alexander R
Hypothyroidism is a chronic health condition which causes physical, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in adults with intellectual disabilities is under researched.
Urinary Tract Infections Amongst Adults With Intellectual Disabilities With Urinary Incontinence
Finlayson J, Gore N, Ord P, Roche F, Butcher J, Kean R and Skelton DA
Between 26% and 52% of adults with intellectual disability experience urinary incontinence (UI). Little is known about the implications of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for this group. The aim was to screen for UTIs in a sample of adults with intellectual disability and UI.
Exploring the Strengths and Resilience of Siblings of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Lee CE and Shikarpurya S
Siblings play a crucial role in shaping and guiding the experiences of their brother or sister with a disability across the lifespan. However, little is known about the positive outcomes of their roles and experiences as siblings. Understanding the positive outcomes challenges stereotypes and the stigma associated with disabilities and allows for a more holistic view of sibling experiences.
A Systematic Review of Burnout Among Staff Working in Services for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Baker P, Chishty-Collins J and Gore N
The psychological wellbeing of staff who provide support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is one of the crucial factors in determining the quality of provision offered. An understanding of the current status and influencing variables of staff psychological wellbeing is considered to be vital in this respect.
Outcomes of a Creative Ability-Based Intervention: Advancing Independence in Learners With Severe Intellectual Disability
van Wyngaard AE and Uys CJE
When supporting learners with severe intellectual disabilities, teaching methods needs to be adapted. Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) aims to enhance participation and facilitate adaptive responses through targeted intervention principles. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of an intervention programme for learners with severe intellectual disability based on the VdTMoCA to improve independence in an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), namely doing a laundry activity.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Sleep and Mental Wellbeing in Family Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Koch LC, Lunsky Y and St John L
Canadian 24-h movement guidelines recommend that adults achieve 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 7-9 h of sleep per night and spend no more than 8-h per day sedentary to optimise health and wellbeing.
An Exploratory Study on the Suicidal Behaviours of People With Intellectual Disability or Autism: Examining Their Understanding of Suicide and Death, and the Perceptions of Their Direct Support Staff
Persechino ST, Morin D and Bardon C
Individuals with intellectual disability or autism exhibit suicidal behaviours at an equal or greater rate than the general population, yet little is known about associated risk factors. This study explores suicidality in these populations, focusing on their understanding of suicide and death and perceptions of their direct support staff regarding their suicidality.
Transitions-Related Support for Ageing Family Carers of Older People With Intellectual Disabilities Who Convey Behaviours That Challenge Others: A Systematic Rapid Scoping Review
Jordan J, Larkin M, Tilley E, Vseteckova J, Ryan S and Wallace L
There are increasing numbers of ageing family carers of older (40+) adults with intellectual disabilities who convey behaviours that challenge others in the UK. It is important to understand the needs and experiences of these carers as they support their older family member to transition to different care contexts.
Navigating Unique Intersectional Experiences: LGBTQ+ Community Organisations Addressing Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities' Needs
Milot É, Otis AS, Lavoie K, Caouette M and Marthouret B
This exploratory study aimed to enhance the understanding of practitioners' experiences within LGBTQ+ community organisations when providing interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities. Three specific objectives were outlined: to document the situations and challenges encountered by practitioners; to identify perceived needs among LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities and to elicit their suggestions for recommendations to improve services.
Parent Perspectives on Parent-Mediated Intervention for Young Children With Down Syndrome
Walsh MM, Van Deusen K, Pinks ME, Ceci B, Hepburn S, Riggs NR, Pulina F, Marcolin C, Onnivello S, Colaianni S, Gray B, Daunhauer LA, Lanfranchi S and Fidler DJ
Parent-mediated intervention (PMI) is a potentially scalable approach for tailored interventions in neurogenetic conditions like Down syndrome (DS). Because PMIs require ongoing parent engagement, they must be developed in alignment with the needs of intended users. The present study examined caregiver opinions and preferences to inform the development of syndrome-informed interventions for children with DS.
(Not) Going Out and Barriers to Leaving the House for People With Intellectual Disabilities Through the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK
Caton S, Hatton C, Bradshaw J, Jahoda A, Kelly R, Maguire R, Oloidi E, Taggart L, Todd S, Hastings RP and
People with intellectual disabilities commonly experience multiple barriers to 'going out'.
A Scoping Review of Outcomes Measured and Involvement of People With Intellectual Disabilities in Active Support Research
Aspling J, Svärd V, Humphreys L, Bigby C and Tideman M
Active Support is a staff practice that aims to increase engagement of people with intellectual disabilities. This study seeks to: (1) identify the outcomes of staff using Active Support and how these are measured; (2) identify how the views of people with intellectual disabilities have been included in Active Support research.