Researchers have shown that behavioral interventions that incorporate communication as a focus have demonstrated efficacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Researchers have demonstrated that individuals with IDD allocate responding to one communicative response modality over others when multiple communicative…

Background: Sensitive responsiveness is an important aspect in affect-regulation of people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. Aim: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the Attune & Stimulate-checklist, a tool for detecting subtle and idiosyncratic communicative behaviours and responding adequately. Methods: Effects on the…

Background: Previous literature pinpointed the limitations of behavioural treatment in helping families of people with intellectual disabilities to transit lifecycle adjustment and suggested the contributions of systemic intervention made to this population. Methods: This study aimed to explore the applicability of structural family therapy to…

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on college campuses are vulnerable to exclusion and a lack of social participation. However, peers can provide meaningful supports to young adults with IDD in the area of social/communication skills. The purpose of this study was to enhance the conversation skills of four young…

Background: Successful communication is vital to quality of life. One group commonly facing speech and communication difficulties is individuals with intellectual disability (ID). A novel route to encourage clear speech is offered by mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa and Google Home). Smart speakers offer four factors important for…

There is limited research targeting communication interventions for children with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. This study addressed outcomes from a communication course for parents of children with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and follows up on a previous publication by Rensfeldt Flink et al.…

Background: Since COVID-19, remote consultation (by telephone and video) has become widespread. This study investigated the experience of using remote consultation in Specialist Intellectual Disability Community services. Method: A total of 126 health staff working across eight Specialist Intellectual Disability Community teams in the NHS Health…

Background: Issues of risk and safety can be challenging to discuss with forensic patients with an intellectual disability. Talking Mats is a visual communication tool that facilitates therapeutic conversations. Method: A pilot study, adopting an ethnographic approach, was used to evaluate Talking Mats. Interviews and video observations were…

Person-centred planning (PCP) puts individuals with an intellectual disability at the centre of service and support planning, identifying how individuals wish to live their lives and what is needed to make that possible. PCP has been identified as having the potential to facilitate improved social inclusion and community participation. A…

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) frequently have challenges engaging in social and communication skills due to lack of availability and safe opportunities to practice these skills. The ability to successfully engage in "small talk," or simple social conversational exchanges, can be beneficial in…

Few studies have been conducted in Greece focusing on the education of conversational skills of individuals with developmental disabilities. The aim of this qualitative research was to educate seven individuals with developmental disabilities, who are living in an intensive treatment residential facility, in social exchanges and particularly in…

Background: People with severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities often lack meaningful interactions with others. Communication partners need to be skilled in identifying and responding to often-subtle behaviours. One method of facilitating interaction is the use of sensory-based stimuli. Method: This study measured the impact of sensory-based…

Functional communication training (FCT) is a well-established, evidence-based practice used to address challenging behavior among individuals across settings, ages, and disability categories. However, the research is limited on the implementation of FCT in inclusive school settings for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The…

College students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are afforded many educational opportunities through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs, including employment training. Competitive employment can contribute a rich independent life, thus more employment training opportunities can be beneficial. Low employment rates for adults…

The objective of this study is to investigate the experiences of teachers of students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) with remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to suggest solutions to address challenges. The study used an electronic questionnaire to collect field data from 150 teachers of students with IDs located in various…