A study investigated the attitudes of 91 general practitioners who had individuals with mental retardation referred for further assessment and treatment. Those who reported dealing with a referral were more favorably disposed to undertake health screening within their practice, whereas those uninvolved continued to opt for specialist provision.…

This editorial outlines how developments in our understanding of genetic information may raise new challenges for people with learning disabilities, their parents, and professionals working in learning disability services. It concludes by highlighting some key aspects professionals need to consider if they are to support effectively people who…

A survey sent to 172 British professionals working with people who have learning difficulties examined their knowledge of symptoms or behaviors indicative of possible depressive disorders. Results indicated a relatively high baseline level of knowledge about depression and an enthusiasm for further training. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

A survey of 43 service professionals in Northern Ireland attempted to identify the number of people with intellectual disability diagnosed with or thought to have dementia and their service needs. Findings indicated patchy diagnostic services, exclusion from elderly services, and carers' needs for extra resources and training. (Contains 4…

This study examined the validity and reliability of a staff-completed rating instrument (to determine relationship patterns and compatibility during the resettlement of 57 people with learning difficulties from a hospital to group home settings in Wales). Although ratings were relatively consistent across raters, there was limited support for the…

This article explores methodological issues arising from a research project that involved six people with learning difficulties in researching aspects of their own lives. These included how participants were included in data analysis and the researcher's role. It stresses the importance of the researcher listening to participants, taking time to…

Among findings of a survey of the prevalence and nature of self-injurious behavior in people with learning difficulties living in northwest England, the hypothesis that self-injury sites on the body may overlap with acupuncture sites associated with analgesic effects was supported. Implications for treatment of self-injurious behaviors are…

This article discusses the use of personal narrative in social science research and in helping individuals with learning difficulties renegotiate their sense of identity. One woman's story of her life is used to illustrate the corrosive effects of institutionalization in identity formation. (Contains references.) (DB)

This study examined the validity of the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) for measuring cognitive decline in clients with Down syndrome with 10 individuals showing behavioral decline on a standard measure and 14 individuals without such decline. On the SIB, the deteriorating group showed a significant decline between baseline and 12 and 24 months…

This article examines issues in the measurement of quality of life (QOL) within the field of learning disabilities. Discussion considers objective and subjective measures, value-based and value-free approaches, and traditional versus participatory approaches. The issue of using self-reports or proxies to gather and measure QOL data is addressed. A…

This study evaluated the effect of a training course for staff working in British learning disability residential services on their attributions and practice. Decreased usage of the attributional category "communication deficit" was found 8 weeks later. Also, practice appeared significantly changed from baseline to follow-ups 4 and 5 months later.…

Comparison of levels of hope in parents of children with intellectual disabilities who also exhibited multiple, single, or no challenging behaviors found hopelessness was related to challenging behavior. Parents of children with multiple challenging behaviors had significantly lower hope scores. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Twenty experienced Community Learning Disability Nurses (CLDNs) in Wales were interviewed. They described activities that addressed the health, social, psychological, and educational needs of people with learning disabilities. They reported high job satisfaction but also a need to better communicate their role to others. They desired a stronger…

Thirty-four staff providing services to people with intellectual disabilities completed the Challenging Behaviour Attribution Scale with respect to a specific client before, during, and after completing a course in assessment and intervention for challenging behavior. Significantly more staff attributed challenging behavior to negative…

A study explored maternal response to the diagnosis of mental retardation in children using a focus group of six mothers. Findings identified four themes: differences between antenatal and postnatal diagnosis; a cycle of bereavement; issues relating to causation; and examples of poor interpersonal skills from medical personnel. (Contains…