Background: The social networks of adults with intellectual disabilities are often small and may be limited to family, paid staff and others with disabilities. This study explored the social inclusion of six individuals who joined mainstream leisure clubs or became local volunteers. Method: This qualitative intervention study provided structured…

Introduction: This paper examines the experiences of people with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom as society transitions towards cashless transactions and services. It is a significant study because it highlights the need to understand their digital financial experiences. Methods: This study employed an inclusive, interpretivist…

Background: This study investigated differences in the clinical and demographic characteristics of individuals with intellectual disabilities delayed in assessment and treatment hospitals versus individuals who were not delayed. The study further investigated the clinical outcomes of the individuals whose discharge from the hospital was delayed.…

Background: As practice leaders, frontline managers observe staff working, provide feedback and use organisational structures to improve staff skills and focus on service-user quality of life. This qualitative study explored the experiences and barriers for frontline managers providing practice leadership to staff in community services for adults…

Background: There has been significant focus in the past decade on reducing admissions to assessment and treatment units for people with intellectual disabilities experiencing mental health or behavioural concerns. This has included the development of intensive support functions of National Health Service Learning Disability services to bolster…

Background: Supported decision-making may increase self-determination among adults with intellectual disabilities by encouraging and empowering them to make decisions about their lives to the greatest extent possible. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of mothers of adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland…

Background: Social media use continues to grow, and it offers an important way for adults with intellectual disabilities to feel socially included and to communicate with others. Aim: This study aimed to establish the state of knowledge about social media use among adults with intellectual disabilities, their experiences and its impact. Method: A…

Background: Rates of mental health conditions are high among adults with learning disabilities relative to the general population, however research suggests mental health conditions may be missed or under-identified in this population group. This review considers factors associated with the identification of mental health conditions among adults…

Background: Previous research indicated a high prevalence of disordered sleep among adults with learning disabilities, however issues with design impacted findings. The current systematic review aims to: (1) present how disordered sleep and sleep disorders amongst adults with learning disabilities are described in the literature, and (2) report on…

Background: Annual health checks in primary care include hearing assessment, though current guidance recommends subjective assessment only. Previous studies suggest this is inadequate and recommend objective alternatives such as hearing screening. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of hearing screening and examine the last recorded annual…

Background: With an international policy trend to close residential institutions, adults with intellectual disabilities are more likely to live in ordinary localities. However, this does not always equate with engagement, leading to forming new relationships and having a sense of connection to place. Social inclusion in neighbourhoods involves a…

Background: Shared Lives (adult placement) is a model of community-based support where an adult who needs support and/or accommodation moves into or regularly visits the home of an approved Shared Lives carer. It is an established but small-scale service used mainly by adults with learning disabilities. However, little research has been conducted…

Background: Service culture refers to the practices, views and values within service organisations. Developing positive cultures has been thought imperative to improving social care, though day services and their cultures remain an under-researched area. For many autistic people with profound learning disabilities, day services are the sites at…

Background: In people with intellectual disabilities and mental disorders and/or challenging behaviours, rates of psychotropic drug prescription are high. In clinical treatments and evaluations, all stakeholders should be involved in a process of shared decision-making (SDM). We aimed to investigate the perspectives of clients and their carers on…

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, many health services were withdrawn from people with learning disabilities, with negative impacts on people's health. What has happened to people's health and healthcare as we move beyond the pandemic? Methods: Access to health services and health status were tracked for 550 UK adults…