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…

Introduction: This study investigated the reliability and validity of the dynamic risk outcome scales--short version (DROS-SV). This instrument is developed to monitor treatment progress using dynamic risk factors in clients with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning and behavioural and/or mental health problems.…

Background: Gender dysphoria (GD) appears disproportionately common in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Concurrent intellectual disability (ID) may limit assessment of these individuals and their access to gender-affirming healthcare. This study aims to summarise knowledge on the presentation of GD in those with co-occurring ASD and…

Background: Many people with disability experience harm in everyday interactions that can leave them feeling insulted, degraded, silenced, or rejected. We adopt the term "everyday harm" to describe this underexplored form of harm. Method: The purpose of this scoping review was to assess how the literature on microaggression and emotional…

Background: Experience sampling may be useful for mental health research with people with intellectual disability, and evidence of the potential benefits is starting to emerge. This multiple-method study identified potential avenues for tailoring this method to the needs of people with intellectual disability. Method: A scoping review was…

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…

Inclusive research combines the expertise of academically trained researchers with the lived experience of individuals with disabilities to render results that are more accessible, accountable, and meaningful to the disability community. In this case study, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) contributed as co-researchers…

Although approximately a third of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) also experience a mental health concern, caregivers often miss early identification of these issues. In this perspective piece, we present an outline for a mental health literacy program that can enhance existing training approaches for caregivers…

Objective: People with intellectual disabilities have historically often been excluded from cognitive based therapies, due to their cognitive deficits. However, adults with intellectual disabilities have been found to have the core cognitive abilities necessary to engage in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Despite this emerging evidence, the capacity…

Influence from bias is unavoidable in clinical decision-making, and mental health assessment seems particularly vulnerable. Individuals with intellectual disabilities have increased risk of developing co-occurring mental disorder. Due to the inherent difficulties associated with intellectual disabilities, assessment of mental health in this…

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous strain on health systems around the world, undermining the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers. Supporting people with intellectual disabilities may be particularly challenging for workers, as some people with intellectual disabilities may have a limited understanding of the…

Introduction: Social knowledge is an important aspect of social cognition that pertains to broader knowledge of social concepts and norms. People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience mental health challenges, and it's important to pay special attention to how comorbid conditions can affect their social cognition skills,…

Background: The present study investigated staff perspectives on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities with mental health relapse prevention. Methods: Eight staff with experience working with or supporting individuals engaged with a specialist mental health in intellectual disability (MHID) service (team member = 2, management…

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Numerous pandemic-related stressors experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may have impacted their ability to thrive, which has been linked to mental health outcomes. The…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are a particularly vulnerable group, at an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19 and of poor mental health. Psychologists providing mental health support to people with intellectual disabilities report poorer mental wellbeing and higher occupational stress. Moreover, they raise concerns about…