Participation in research can provide direct and indirect benefit to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their caregivers, families, and society at large. Unfortunately, individuals with high support needs, including those with intellectual disability, cognitive disability or minimal verbal ability, are often systematically excluded…

Background: Documented inequalities in access to eye care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism are caused by poor uptake of primary eye care services, poor identification of eye problems, lack of signposting and reasonable adjustments of existing services, concerns about costs of care and the low priority historically given to these…

Urine-detecting alarms are prevalent in toilet training intervention research and clinical practice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but the effects of urine alarms remain unclear. Urine alarms may function as punishing or reinforcing contingencies, or may merely alert trainers to accidents and improve treatment…

The transition to adulthood is a significant step in every individual's life. Specifically, for individuals with disabilities, the transition process requires targeted planning for specific adulthood outcomes (e.g., employment, higher education, living skills, social skills, and community preferences). As such, parent and professional voices and…

Autistic individuals with intellectual disability are at greater risk of experiencing anxiety than their non-autistic peers without intellectual disability. Anxiety in this group may present as behaviour that challenges, often leading families to reach out to healthcare or support services. However, many families experience difficulties accessing…

Caregiver involvement plays a critical role in the development of communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual/developmental disability (IDD). However, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families usually do not receive sufficient culturally and linguistically appropriate support due to language and…

Genetic tests, such as Fragile X and Chromosomal Microarray, are recommended as a standard of care during the evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, previous research demonstrates low rates of genetic testing. This study aimed to identify the rates of genetic testing and patient demographic…

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without an intellectual disability (ID) have daily living skills (DLS) that fall below their chronological age and affect their ability to achieve successful adult outcomes, but little is known about their specific DLS challenges. Utilizing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS-3)…

Over 50 years of research suggests that toilet training based on behavioral principles is effective for most individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). However, many adults with IDD are never effectively toilet trained. Lack of independent toileting is associated with detrimental physical, mental, and social experiences.…

This comprehensive study delves into the family quality of life (FQOL) of caregivers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on those caring for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other disabilities and those without any disabilities. Employing the Arabic version of the Beach Center FQOL Scale, the research encompasses a diverse group of…

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand how special education teachers interpret and navigate the concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE) standard in providing educational support for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. The guiding theories for this study were behaviorism and social cognitive theory.…

Sex education is critical for the development of healthy sexual identity and relationships. However, students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum often receive less holistic sex education in comparison to their neurotypical counterparts. A scoping review was undertaken to determine parents', teachers' and students'…

In this study, it was aimed to examine the adaptation processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their mothers to COVID-19 restrictions. The research was designed in qualitative research method and focus group interview technique was used. The mothers of individuals with intellectual disabilities constitute the participant group…

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people around the world, partly due to the restrictions it imposed on social interactions. This impact was felt to a great extent by persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an intellectual disability (ID) who rely on 24-hour support to live in the community, and by their mothers, who remain…

The initial transition to high school is challenging for any student, but adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience increased difficulties. This population, often characterized by significant limitations in their social and emotional development, experience limited access to inclusive…