This paper identifies and discusses recent increases in the percentage of students with a disability identified in Australian schools. At the moment, there is an unprecedented level of international debate about the nature of disability which is impacting on the identification of disability (see Donoghue, 2003; Greenspan & Switzky, 2003). In …

Describes the characteristics of an 11-year-old boy who represents the only documented case of an individual with Cornelia de Lange syndrome who also has above average cognitive functioning. Major diagnostic criteria for de Lange syndrome and comparisons with other severe and mild cases are discussed. (Author/CR)

A case study of a man with intellectual disability who died of polydipsia (excessive thirst and fluid consumption) is recounted. The article describes ways to identify polydipsia in individuals with intellectual disabilities, including detecting weight gain in the afternoon. Studies addressing polydipsia's coexistence with mental disorders are…

This article discusses nutrition problems in people with intellectual disabilities, the need for nutrition risk screening, and the development of the Nutrition and Swallowing Checklist in New South Wales. The checklist ensures carer involvement in identifying risks and an interdisciplinary approach to the assessment and management of nutrition and…

This study assessed the psychometric properties of two subscales of the Adelaide Behaviour Disorder Scale that have been hypothesized to describe conduct problems and emotional problems of adults with intellectual disability. Criterion scores for identifying individuals needing clinical intervention were established and validated against…

A study investigated the mental health needs of 127 British adults with intellectual disability by using the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with a Developmental Disability (PAS-ADD). Results showed that there was a good deal of unmet mental health need and there is difficulty in targeting services to those who need them. (CR)

Nurses applied standard behavioral criteria for major depression to evaluate 89 institutionalized adults with severe or profound intellectual disability. Results suggested that several additional behaviors listed on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Developmental Behavior Checklist may be associated with this disorder in this population.…

This article provides information about the 44,426 consumers of Commonwealth/State Disability Agreement specialist disability support services in Australia. Most consumers have intellectual disabilities and access accommodation support services. Overall, consumers with intellectual disabilities expressed their highest need for support in…