Background: People with intellectual disabilities in Flanders (Belgium) often rely on their direct support professionals (DSPs) to engage in meaningful activities. While structured approaches exist to guide engagement, limited insight is available into the specific support DSPs need in practice. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was…

Introduction: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes that the support to independent living should be community-based and under the choice and control of each person. This study compares the assessment of support practices by people with intellectual disabilities receiving support versus support staff and by people…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO)…

Background: Engagement of individuals with an intellectual disability and their caregivers in health care has been highlighted as an essential factor in developing services that better meet client needs; however, few studies have focused on the engagement of individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability co-occurring with a mental…

Background: Previous studies show that the personal support networks of people with intellectual disability are smaller and less diverse than those of people without intellectual disability. This article aims to compare the characteristics of the personal networks of young people with and without intellectual disability. Method: The Personal…

Background: We identified participant-level risks and safeguards in social-behavioural research with adults with developmental disabilities. Method: We conducted a qualitative systematic review on risks and safeguards in peer-reviewed research with adults with developmental disabilities. We identified research reporting on risks and safeguards…

Background: Mentalising and stress regulation pose challenges for adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID), emphasising the importance of an intervention program. The study examined the effectiveness and social validity of the serious game 'You & I' in enhancing mentalising and stress regulation among adults with MBID.…

Background: It is well documented that many adults with intellectual disabilities live with ageing parents, often without concrete plans for transitioning to alternative living arrangements. Little is known about transition experiences once they occur. This study explores the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities and their family…

Background: Down syndrome has a unique medical and psychological profile. To date, few studies have asked individuals with Down syndrome about their views of health. Methods: Eight focus groups of 20 parents and 8 individuals with Down syndrome, were conducted virtually via videoconferencing to obtain participants' views of health indicators.…

Background: This study investigates the healthcare needs and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying areas for improvement. Its innovation lies in including individuals with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers in the research process. Method: Thematic analysis was performed on five focus groups with 30…

Background: Pain recognition and assessment in individuals with profound intellectual disabilities are challenging. Exploring effective methods of addressing this is essential. This study aims to discover current nursing practice in this area of care as the first of a four-phased appreciative inquiry study, to inform further research and practice.…

Background: Research suggests that a better awareness of how staff who directly support people with intellectual disabilities experience their working relationships, will contribute to understanding staff wellbeing and the quality of care they offer. This study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of support workers in supported…

Background: Understanding the cognitive processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities in financially abusive situations is critical to develop effective prevention strategies. Aims: This study investigated how persons with intellectual disabilities define and analyse financially abusive situations, and how they would feel and act in…

Background: Mobile technology has the potential to assist adults with intellectual disabilities to initiate and maintain social connections in important areas of their lives, such as family, friends and work/volunteering. Method: The present study investigated how specific aspects of mobile device/app use are associated with the social inclusion…

Background: Research into befriending for people with intellectual disabilities is limited. This study aimed to explore the impact, mechanisms of change, and limitations of a befriending scheme for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Methods: Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Thirteen individuals with…