Background: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically exhibit cognitive deficits. While single bouts of physical activity (PA) have shown cognitive benefits in typically developing individuals, the effects on those with ID are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single bouts of PA on cognition in…

Introduction: The first aim of this study was to explore the mental functions of patients with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF) in mental health care. The second aim was to examine the differences in mental functions between people with MID-BIF and those with higher educational levels (i.e. further…

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: People with intellectual disabilities are rarely involved in end-of-life decisions. This study investigated and further developed approaches and resources to enable inclusive end-of-life care planning. Methods: A multi-centre, multi-method four-phase study, involving 195 researchers, participants, advisors and co-design members,…

Background: When supporting learners with severe intellectual disabilities, teaching methods needs to be adapted. Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) aims to enhance participation and facilitate adaptive responses through targeted intervention principles. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the impact of an intervention programme…

Background: Psychological interventions need to be adapted for use with people with intellectual disabilities to ensure they are engaging, accessible and effective. Co-design allows the experiences of service users and stakeholders to actively shape and develop interventions, to ensure their accessibility. Method: An adapted model of Experience…

Background: Third-level education is a relatively new opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities. The development of third-level educational opportunities for this population rests on understanding their experiences and suggestions for programme development and improvement. The aim of this study is to establish how inclusive third-level…

Background: The psychological wellbeing of staff who provide support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is one of the crucial factors in determining the quality of provision offered. An understanding of the current status and influencing variables of staff psychological wellbeing is considered to be vital in this respect.…

Background: Between 26% and 52% of adults with intellectual disability experience urinary incontinence (UI). Little is known about the implications of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for this group. The aim was to screen for UTIs in a sample of adults with intellectual disability and UI. Method: Twenty adults with intellectual disability and UI…

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a chronic health condition which causes physical, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in adults with intellectual disabilities is under researched. Method: Hypothyroidism was examined among 463 patients within an outpatient intellectual disability psychiatric team. Clinic records…

Background: The positive impact of physical activity on health is widely known. A comparison between activPAL objective measures and International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) self-reported activity levels was completed with older adults with intellectual disability. Understanding differences between the two methodologies…

Background: People with an intellectual disability prefer more choice with employment options and more community facing roles rather than just traditional supported employment roles. However, data reveal that transition rates from supported to open employment in Australia remain very low and these findings are also found internationally. Method:…

Background: Developments in digital technologies have transformed how people interact with the world, offering employment, education, communication, health benefits and entertainment. Research has shown that not everyone can easily access digital content, particularly people with intellectual disabilities. Despite internet access being recognised…

Background: Given the significant gap in tailored assessment tools, this research seeks to adapt the Self-concept (Form 5-AF5) questionnaire for young students with intellectual disabilities, employing an inclusive approach. Method: Twenty-three disability experts initially assessed questionnaire suitability, leading to revisions for clarity.…

Background: The Needs Assessment Framework (NAF) stimulates awareness of care staff to consider perspectives of clients with intellectual disabilities in decisions on involuntary care. We explored the effect of implementers' participation in a Virtual Community-of-Practice (VCoP) for designing implementation plans, on NAF implementation and staff…