The exploratory study presented in this article looks into the possible differences in psychosocial aspects (self-esteem and locus of control) and aspects of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, melancholia, asthenia, and mania) amongst sighted adults and adults with visual impairments. Moreover, the study aims to examine the possible…

The activity level of the error monitoring system for processing isolated versus contextual words in Hebrew was studied in adults with dyslexia and skilled readers while committing reading errors. Behavioural measures and event-related potentials were measured during a lexical decision task using words in a list and sentences. Error-related…

To date, there have been few studies of mothers' and fathers' roles in caring for their adult children with intellectual disabilities. The present study investigated the care-giving roles of mother and father couples caring for their adult offspring with an intellectual disability, their psychological health, and the demands and satisfaction of…

This article presents the results of a study of differences in orientation toward disability over the lifecourse. The study was based on an instrument developed by the authors, the Questionnaire on Disability Identity and Opportunity (QDIO). This instrument measures two dimensions of disability: participation and orientation. Orientation, in turn,…

There is limited information available related to the literacy skills of adults with intellectual disabilities. In this project, information was collected about the contexts, current practices, and clients' abilities in literacy in two community-based disability service programs. Individual assessments were undertaken to collect details of the…

This article discusses the implications of a follow-up study of 56 people who had lived on average for 22 years in an institution. The study found the majority had made few community connections eight years after leaving the institution. The concept of social alienation of difference is explored. (Contains references.) (CR)

Four case studies concerning long-term psychodynamic treatment of German individuals with intellectual disabilities are presented: an aggressive young man with a mild intellectual disability; a young man with multiple disabilities with destructive behavior; a withdrawn young woman with self-destructive behavior; and a young man with autism with…

This article describes changes in lifestyle of adults with intellectual disabilities after moving from institutional to community residential service provision in Queensland, Australia. Evidence is presented validating the advantages of this type of service provision for residents with an intellectual disability, including the case study of one…

Reasons for limited spontaneity of communication in individuals with high support needs are considered and include: it is an inherent characteristic, a product of highly structured teaching programs, a form of learned helplessness, or a product of a failure to systematically program for spontaneity. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This research identifies the extent to which different contexts modified the language of four people with brain injuries. The four contexts included: their own home, a residential camp, a post-camp period with support, followed by a return home with limited support. Measures demonstrate the success of the enriched camp facility. (Contains…

This article reviews results of research on individualized planning for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It discusses the relevant change in the values, philosophies, policies, and developments that have occurred during the last 25 years and discusses how these have influenced planning for, with, and by, people with…

The theoretical and practical constraints of identity formation for lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons with developmental disabilities are explored. It is argued that neither disability or queer theorists have adequately accounted for such complex identities and that a fusion of theories may provide a more comprehensive approach. (Contains…

Three adults with intellectual and visual disabilities were taught vocationally relevant tasks through the use of a self-operated verbal instruction system. Data showed that during the training all participants achieved percentages of correct task performance exceeding 90. Use of instructional clusters was effective in maintaining high levels of…

Interviews with parents of 37 individuals (ages 12-30) with Prader-Willi syndrome revealed two-thirds displayed skin picking with a frequency ranging from chronic to transient, episodic symptoms. Many individuals with skin picking also exhibited comorbid picking behaviors And individuals with excessive skin picking also had frequent tantrums and…

This article introduces an issue that focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities to become literate. It discusses the historical debate over whether or not individuals with disabilities could learn to be literate, whom should be taught, and when. Following research articles addressing literacy research and teaching methods are summarized.…