This paper aims to foreground the persistent ethical conundrums within the process of engaging children labeled with intellectual disabilities in the research process. I consider what happens when researchers are embedded within and committed to sustaining relationships with disabled children? I explore the possibilities of the enactment of…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities in Flanders (Belgium) often rely on their direct support professionals (DSPs) to engage in meaningful activities. While structured approaches exist to guide engagement, limited insight is available into the specific support DSPs need in practice. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was…

Introduction: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes that the support to independent living should be community-based and under the choice and control of each person. This study compares the assessment of support practices by people with intellectual disabilities receiving support versus support staff and by people…

Employment, social relationships, and autonomy are priorities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). However, few validated measures exist to systematically assess these key adult outcomes in this population. This research includes first steps to develop self- and proxy report measures of life outcomes for adults with…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO)…

Background: Engagement of individuals with an intellectual disability and their caregivers in health care has been highlighted as an essential factor in developing services that better meet client needs; however, few studies have focused on the engagement of individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability co-occurring with a mental…

Background: Previous studies show that the personal support networks of people with intellectual disability are smaller and less diverse than those of people without intellectual disability. This article aims to compare the characteristics of the personal networks of young people with and without intellectual disability. Method: The Personal…

The current study examined the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions have had on individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to collect data from participants who attended day programming by local community agency. Results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and its…

Background: Mentalising and stress regulation pose challenges for adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID), emphasising the importance of an intervention program. The study examined the effectiveness and social validity of the serious game 'You & I' in enhancing mentalising and stress regulation among adults with MBID.…

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in all areas of clinical practice, including clinical research and within the intellectual disability population. While there have been some benefits from this rapid adoption of change, those involved in research have had to overcome a number of additional challenges. These adaptive changes, which have…

Background: It is well documented that many adults with intellectual disabilities live with ageing parents, often without concrete plans for transitioning to alternative living arrangements. Little is known about transition experiences once they occur. This study explores the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities and their family…

The article focuses on social educators' reflections on their own professional practice in encounters with people with intellectual disability receiving services. Drawing on Interpersonal Process Recall, a video-assisted method, together with a focus group interview, the study explores the experiences from in-situ encounters of five social…

Introduction: Digital social contact is increasingly being used, which accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the consensus among stakeholders regarding recommendations for the use and facilitation of digital social contact for people with intellectual disabilities living in sheltered care facility homes. Methods:…

Background: This study investigates the healthcare needs and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying areas for improvement. Its innovation lies in including individuals with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers in the research process. Method: Thematic analysis was performed on five focus groups with 30…

Background: Research suggests that a better awareness of how staff who directly support people with intellectual disabilities experience their working relationships, will contribute to understanding staff wellbeing and the quality of care they offer. This study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of support workers in supported…