The occurrence of 'challenging' behavior is commonly documented amongst people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Since behavior is not only a form of communication, but often in response to environmental conditions, it stands to reason that one mechanism to reduce 'challenging' behaviors would be to draw attention to people's…

A systematic review was completed to identify assessments used with children with intellectual disabilities to assess adaptive behaviour, challenging behaviour and autism-related behaviour and consider their appropriateness for use by special education teachers with autistic pupils. The findings of this review led to the recommendation that the…

Technology is integral to the lives of youth who, as digital citizens, use technology to participate in social and civic action to improve their communities. Using a digital citizenship framework and "National Longitudinal Transition Study of 2012" data, we explored technology access and use between youth with and without intellectual…

Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, specifically aimed at helping students with intellectual disabilities (ID) transition into adulthood, have rapidly expanded across the United States. Increasing access to IPSE is an important step in creating community-based employment opportunities, but questions remain whether the advancement in…

Most social work students receive only limited instruction about disabilities in their general coursework despite a growing need for trained social workers in this area. In this paper, we argue that coursework dedicated to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) needs to be implemented as an essential component of a…

The research compares teachers working in regular primary schools with those working in special primary schools (for students with mild intellectual disabilities) regarding their emotion regulation strategies and their self-assessed mental health. The sample consisted of 114 Slovenian teachers from regular schools and 60 teachers from special…

Background: As adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have longer lives, parents may remain caregivers into old age. In addition, it is unknown who will fulfil caregiving roles after parents are no longer able to be caregivers. In the current study, we explored the nature (e.g. number of hours of caregiving) and correlates…

This paper proposes the method of 'narrative portraiture', which, located within the wider field of narrative studies, offers an analytical tool to narrative data. Two research projects, one on disability and one on identity, are used to illustrate how the method can be applied. While the paper will focus on the methodological benefits and…

Implementation science deals with the translation of evidence-based knowledge into practice in the real world. Mindfulness-based programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) emerged about 20 years ago. Efficacy and effectiveness studies provide the evidence-base for these programs and the field of IDD is moving…

Many children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) have complex communication needs and may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This qualitative study explored how four mother--child dyads used AAC in the home. Data were collected using participant observations, open-ended interviews, and record reviews, and analyzed using…

Little is known about care needs of young adults with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Patient-driven information is needed to improve understanding and support of young adults with FXS. A qualitative study was performed in 5 young adult patients (aged 18-30), and 33 parents of young adults. Concerns and care needs were categorized using the…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with or without intellectual disability (ID), is common in children with congenital blindness. This complex combination of disabilities often involves many challenges for the family. This study explored parents' experiences of having a child with blindness and ASD (with or without ID), their support needs and…

One concern raised about teaching content from the general education curriculum to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities is whether they generalize the skills learned to typical performance settings. We conducted a literature review of research studies that taught content from the general education curriculum and assessed…

Background: Mindfulness-informed interventions are increasingly being offered to individuals with learning disabilities. The current paper aims to reflect on the provision and effectiveness of a group intervention incorporating mindfulness-informed techniques and relaxation strategies. Method: Nine group attendees with mild learning disabilities…

We are witnessing tremendous changes day by day in the educational field, and new avenues of knowledge are opened up almost daily. Innovations in behavioral psychology and educational technology would certainly balance the disparity in learning that arises due to physical, economic, and social factors. There is an ability within every child, and…