Background: The Welfare Reform Act (2012) has been criticised for harming claimants, particularly through functional assessments. Although many people with intellectual disabilities in the UK receive welfare benefits, their experiences of undergoing functional assessments are under-researched. Method: Eight participants with intellectual…

Background: Snoezelen is often used for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, but scarcely evaluated. This study aimed to provide insight into the application and perceived effects of snoezelen from the perspective of support persons. Method: We conducted an international survey with professionals (n = 130) and relatives (n…

Background: 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…

Background: Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) increasingly outlive their parents. Therefore, we designed a structured group conversation to support family members and care professionals in exploring together how parental roles may be taken over by others when necessary. Method: We conducted a mixed methods study,…

Background: Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) is a complex parent-mediated intervention aimed to reduce behaviours that challenge in children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, aged 30-59 months. Methods: To formulate a comprehensive understanding of SSTP implementation in the UK, we conducted a process evaluation collecting…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are rarely involved in research on quality of life. The study sought to answer the question: what do people with intellectual disabilities believe improves or hinders their quality of life? Method: Using an inclusive, accessible research design, 18 participants met in small groups to answer the…

Background: Identity development in individuals with disabilities is often negatively impacted by exclusion, marginalisation, and stigma. However, meaningful opportunities for community engagement can serve as one pathway towards establishing positive identity. This pathway is further examined in the present study. Methods: Researchers used a…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities' voting rate within the United Kingdom remains significantly below the population average despite government enacted voting promotion measures. No published academic literature directly involves people with intellectual disabilities when considering their UK general election experiences -- this…

Background: Online exercise programming reduces transportation and scheduling barriers. This study explored the feasibility of online resistance training for individuals with Down syndrome. Method: Thirteen individuals (3 M/10 F, age: 21.7 ± 5.9 years) began a 10-week programme delivered using a website with pre-recorded exercise videos (45--60…

Background: Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland. Methods: Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5)…

Background: Staff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with intellectual disabilities. Research on the impact of sociocultural factors in this area in the Chinese context is sparse. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals (social worker, nurse, life skills trainer and…

Background: The impact of having a disabled brother or sister on siblings' psychological well-being and sibling relationships has been the subject of several research studies. However, research which focuses on the relationship between siblings and their autistic brother or sister with an intellectual disability and complex care needs is rare. We…

Background: People with Down syndrome (PDS) have complex healthcare needs. Little is known about the quality of health care for PDS, let alone how it is appraised by PDS and their caregivers. This study explores the perspectives of PDS, their parents and support staff regarding quality in health care for PDS. Method: The present authors conducted…

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities often display behaviour that challenges that is a result of biological differences, psychological challenges, and lack of appropriate social support. Intensive Support Teams (IST) are recommended to support the care needs of this group and avoid hospitalisation. However, little attention has been…

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.…