Background: This study investigated perceived quality of life (QoL) of community-dwelling middle-aged adults (30-50 years) with an intellectual disability and/or developmental disability living in rural or urban areas in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. The specific aim of the current paper was to provide a descriptive evidence base of…

Background: The move to community living has increased access to alcohol for people with an intellectual disability. The literature on alcohol usage in this population is sparse, and no research has investigated the experience of alcohol consumption in Aotearoa/New Zealand for people with an intellectual disability. Methods: The aim of this study…

Background: The issues surrounding the prescribing and monitoring of medications for people with learning disabilities and behaviours deemed to be challenging, and are complex in their management for patients, healthcare professionals and carers. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of the pharmacist independent prescriber on a…

Background: Academic research and reports from healthcare professionals tell us people with learning disabilities are not routinely supported to learn about end-of-life issues or make plans for the end of their lives. Materials: Questionnaires were used to check how much people knew. Accessible symbols were used to help people understand…

Background: People with epilepsy (PWE) have a higher fracture risk than nonepilepsy populations. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) cause bone loss. Limited physical activity and poor dietary intake increase fracture risk in PWE. People with an intellectual disability have higher prevalence of epilepsy, likely to be on multiple AEDs, with poorer response,…

Background: As the life expectancy of adults with intellectual disability has increased, experience of familial bereavement is becoming more frequent. However, this group may not receive adequate information and support to enable them to understand and cope with the experience of loss. Method: This narrative review examined the impact of…

Background: Within Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), disability policy is directed at increasing choices for disabled people. However, funding to individuals remains insufficient to address wider social inequities that exist. While people with learning disability enjoy the freedom of living independently, they can be at risk of poor health outcomes and…

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…

Background: Contraceptive use by women with learning disabilities differs from that of nondisabled women of a similar age. Women with learning disabilities start contraception earlier and often use it when they are not sexually active. Hence, there is a need to hear directly from these women about their experiences of contraceptive…

Background: Studies have reported increased prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to people without intellectual disabilities. However, there are no studies looking into specific health conditions at a national level and comparing with areas that are socio-economically…

Background: Children with identified special educational needs are at higher risk than other children of having visual needs that are not adequately met. This paper evaluates the impact of addressing the visual needs of these children on behaviour and academic achievements in a number of case studies. Method: Nine children (4-11 years of age, from…

Background: Children with Down syndrome have an increased risk of serious health conditions, particularly in early childhood. Published guidelines promote the identification and monitoring of health issues and adherence could reduce health inequalities, yet there is limited research about the extent to which health monitoring occurs as…

Background: Direct care workers (DCWs) caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) provide palliative care, but research indicates DCWs are ill-equipped to do so. This study aimed to assess DCWs' palliative care experience and training and their perceived training needs. Materials and Methods: Staff trained as DCWs…

Background: People with learning disabilities have an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. This study explored service users' and health professionals' perspectives and experiences of adopting minimally invasive diagnostic and screening devices, known as point-of-care testing (POCT) as a means of improving access…

Background: The UK Government's Transforming Care Agenda for people with learning disabilities has struggled to meet its goals of reducing inpatient beds and building community-based support. This article reports on the experiences of support staff who attended dramatherapy groups developed to assist transitions from an inpatient hospital and to…