This editorial looks at the special support needs of parents with learning difficulties in Britain in the context of the new Adoption and Children Bill, which encourages and speeds adoption. The bill is seen as a major threat to families headed by a parent with learning difficulties. It urges greater attention to providing the known and effective…

A survey of more than 400 parents and carers of children and adults with severe learning disabilities in Northern Ireland found respondents' most common sources of information were social workers, staff in schools and centers, and general practitioners. Needed information most commonly concerned available services, leisure and holidays, and…

This article offers guidelines for the modification of the living environment of adults with Down syndrome before they develop dementia in order to allow them to remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. These include maintaining the person's individuality; aiding his/her communication; changing supports with the course of the…

The second article on a survey of self-advocacy groups for people with learning disabilities in England reports key findings that included the consistency of the issues identified as important and the willingness to engage in research. Key themes were self-advocacy, rights, day service center issues, staffing, personal relationships, complaints,…

A survey of service providers for people with learning disabilities in the Manchester (England) region identified a total of 174 people with either a confirmed or a suspected autistic spectrum disorder. Discussion of current and historical factors in estimating incidence suggests that the usual 10% of service users represents the lowest estimate…

This article summarizes literature (1997-2001) from the MEDLINE data base concerning post-traumatic stress disorder in people with intellectual disabilities. It finds that these individuals may manifest emotional trauma primarily through challenging behavior. The article suggests that post-traumatic stress syndrome in this population frequently…

A survey in one English community of 49 adults with intellectual disabilities found basic health needs (such as feet problems, incontinence, eyesight problems, and specific medical conditions) were often not being met. Access to primary care services to address these needs is discussed along with suggestions for future research and recommendations…

In this article an Irish mother reflects on her experience of raising a child with Down syndrome, how his presence affected the family, and how she as a person changed as a result. Professionals are urged to recognize the importance of effective listening, ongoing coordinated support, and learning to work in partnership with families. (Contains…

This article suggests that services for people with intellectual disabilities in England will need to undergo radical revision as agencies strive to implement person centered planning as described in the White Paper, "Valuing People." It further suggests that services need to become learning organizations, committed to values of inclusion,…

A study of 405 Irish children (ages 2-18) with Down syndrome, autism, and cri du chat syndrome, and 280 siblings found most had some level of self-feeding skills. Chewing problems were reported for some children, including siblings of children with Down syndrome and autism. Behavioral problems at meals were common. (Contains references.)…

This article discusses how a focus group of seven individuals with Down syndrome was used to explore experiences of going to the doctor. Obtaining consent and acknowledging the power differential between participants and researchers are highlighted as key challenges for those wishing to engage in disability research. (Contains references.)…

This article describes the work of the Supported Learning Project (SLP), a program that provided personal support and development in self-advocacy to 31 British mothers with learning disabilities. The learning gains made by the mothers, the obstacles they encountered, and the project's success are discussed. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article summarizes single-subject design intervention studies that include students with learning disabilities. Effect sizes of 85 studies were analyzed across instructional domains, sample characteristics, intervention parameters, and methodological procedures. Findings are supportive of the pervasive influence of cognitive strategy and…

Two studies investigated whether an appropriate versus an inappropriate hemisphere alluding stimulation treatment of children with L-type dyslexia produces differential reading effects, and effects of hemisphere specific stimulation on children with L-, P-, and M-type dyslexia. Results support the validity of dyslexia subtyping and the…

This article refutes claims that Albert Einstein had a learning disability and argues the claim derives its force not from evidence but from belief that the greatest among us suffer from some impairment and from desire to enhance the status of a marginalized group by including exceptional individuals. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)