Valerie K Temple, Casey Fulford, Kathy Unsworth, Jocelynn L Cook, Svetlana Popova
{"title":"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): Comparing profiles of younger versus older adults.","authors":"Valerie K Temple, Casey Fulford, Kathy Unsworth, Jocelynn L Cook, Svetlana Popova","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2547408","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2547408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has implications for wellbeing across the lifespan. Research regarding adult profiles is limited.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Data were drawn from the Canadian National Database for younger (18-24 years n = 223) and older (35 + years n = 185) groups, all diagnosed with FASD using Canadian guidelines. Groups were compared on: cognitive/functional abilities; physical/mental health; substance misuse; independent living; legal involvement; and recommendations post-diagnosis. Analysis included chi-square, ANOVA, and linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 35 + group showed lower rates of attention and executive functioning deficits, less need for supportive housing, and fewer difficulties with independent living but higher rates of memory and physical problems. Substance misuse, legal involvement, and mental health issues were high in both groups. The 35 + group attended substance misuse treatment and were referred for income supports more than the 18-24 group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Distinct profiles were observed for older versus younger adults with FASD. Interventions and supports must be adjusted to meet age-specific needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"105-114"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"(In)Accessibility of urban public transport and transport exclusion in Poland: Perspective of parents of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.","authors":"Jakub Niedbalski","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2535874","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2535874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study focused on public transport accessibility as experienced by the parents of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Research material consisted of unfocused, partially-structured interviews concerning the personal experiences of parents of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities; 20 parents of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities participated in the study. The analytical method relied on open and axial coding performed by means of grounded theory methodology procedures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed two main themes: the first related to disruptions in the daily use of urban public transport; the second provided an assessment of the impact of public transport's (in)availability on the family.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study showed that everyday mobility for families caring for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities was influenced by a variety of constraints that these families sought to negotiate and overcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"93-104"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144796087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Acton, Grace Talbot, Caroline Mogan, Sujeet Jaydeokar
{"title":"Active ageing in people with intellectual disability: a qualitative evidence synthesis of the experiences, challenges, and pathways to support.","authors":"Daniel Acton, Grace Talbot, Caroline Mogan, Sujeet Jaydeokar","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2517203","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2517203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Improved life expectancy, among individuals with intellectual disability, highlights unique health, social, and emotional challenges in ageing, including premature ageing, comorbidities, and access barriers to accessing care. This review explores whether current systems adequately address the holistic needs of ageing individuals with intellectual disability, emphasising the importance of person-centred support.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative evidence synthesis was undertaken using thematic synthesis to identify and analyse patterns across studies. A systematic search of eight databases was conducted, and 15 qualitative studies, published between 2010 and 2023, were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five key themes were identified: challenges in managing physical health declines, reduction in personal autonomy and control, increased social isolation, uncertainty about future care, and age-related stigma, and discrimination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review underscores the importance of a holistic, person-centred approach to supporting ageing individuals with intellectual disability. Addressing health and psychosocial needs, and advocating for inclusive service planning remains essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144509313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica Vervoort-Schel, Gabriëlle Mercera, Inge Wissink, Tessel Sterenborg, Maroesjka van Nieuwenhuijzen, Peer van der Helm, Ramón Lindauer, Xavier Moonen
{"title":"Adverse childhood experiences in families with intellectual disabilities under family supervision orders: An exploratory cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jessica Vervoort-Schel, Gabriëlle Mercera, Inge Wissink, Tessel Sterenborg, Maroesjka van Nieuwenhuijzen, Peer van der Helm, Ramón Lindauer, Xavier Moonen","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525663","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Families with intellectual disabilities are overrepresented in child protection systems. However, little is known about how adverse experiences co-occur in this population. This study examined the prevalence and interrelations of original and extended adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and contextual child and family variables in families with intellectual disabilities under family supervision orders (FSOs).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of 128 Dutch case files concerning children aged 0-17 under an FSO, using structured codebooks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children were exposed to <i>M</i> = 4.4 original ACEs (<i>SD</i> = 2.0); 66.4% experienced four or more. Extended ACEs (e.g., out-of-home placement) and family risk factors (e.g., parental mental health problems, limited social support) were common. Several significant interrelations emerged across child, parent, and resource domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings highlight the need to address co-occurring adversities across family contexts when developing ACE-informed strategies in child protection settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"51-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kelly D Harding, Katherine Flannigan, Colleen Burns, Kathy Unsworth, Audrey McFarlane
{"title":"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic clinics in Canada: \"It wouldn't happen if nobody wanted it to happen\".","authors":"Kelly D Harding, Katherine Flannigan, Colleen Burns, Kathy Unsworth, Audrey McFarlane","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2508619","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2508619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We address the question: If you wanted to start a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic clinic, what would you need to do, think about, and plan for, from a policy perspective? Our aims were to understand how clinics are developed and established and the key factors that facilitate their success.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Within a pragmatist epistemology, we conducted a basic qualitative study using semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted with 12 key informants from 10 diagnostic clinics. Data were analysed using iterative thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We derived five themes pertaining to our objectives: (i) listening and responding to your community; (ii) community buy-in and practical steps; (iii) multidisciplinary team trust, respect, and collaboration; (iv) the clinic coordinator; and (v) promoting uniqueness and learning from each other.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings demonstrated the importance of local, community-based planning, team cohesion, and opportunities for mentorship in the development of new FASD clinical services.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"115-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Izaskun Álvarez-Aguado, Vanessa Vega, Miguel Roselló-Peñaloza, Félix González-Carrasco, Felipe Muñoz La Rivera, Herbert Spencer, Maryam Farhang
{"title":"Experiences of self-determination in old age among people with intellectual disabilities institutionalised in Chile: The right to decide does not age.","authors":"Izaskun Álvarez-Aguado, Vanessa Vega, Miguel Roselló-Peñaloza, Félix González-Carrasco, Felipe Muñoz La Rivera, Herbert Spencer, Maryam Farhang","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2544361","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2544361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aging of people with intellectual disabilities constitutes a growing demographic phenomenon, yet it remains underexplored from a rights-based perspective. Understanding how self-determination is experienced in residential settings is fundamental for promoting dignified aging.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 86 older adults with intellectual disabilities living in nine long-term care facilities in Chile.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five central themes were identified: margins for daily decision-making, validation of personal voice, structural barriers to autonomy, enabling supports, and the relationship between self-determination and emotional wellbeing. Findings showed that self-determination was heavily influenced by institutional cultures, communication accessibility, and relational environments rather than by individual characteristics alone.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Promoting self-determination in long-term care requires institutional reforms focused on cognitive accessibility, flexible routines, and formal participatory spaces. Ensuring the right to decide is essential for improving emotional wellbeing and guaranteeing dignified aging for people with intellectual disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"14-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144849585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annemieke Enninga, Wendy J Post, Aly Waninge, Annette A J van der Putten
{"title":"Construct validity of an adult pain observation scale for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: The APOS-PIMD.","authors":"Annemieke Enninga, Wendy J Post, Aly Waninge, Annette A J van der Putten","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2531706","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2531706","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Objective assessment of pain-related behaviours is crucial in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. No standardised pain observation instrument that specifically focuses on this target group is currently available. A previous study identified 12 pain-related behaviours in these persons. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument based on these 12 pain-related behaviours to assess pain in these adults in daily situations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Videos of 91 adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in potentially painful daily situations were scored using the 12 pain-related behaviour items. Mokken scale analysis was used to determine the construct validity of these items.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis resulted in a 9-item scale (H = .46, Rho = .70), which appeared to be sample independent for the variables of sex, age and level of motor functioning.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A scale containing 9 items (APOS-PIMD) with reasonable construct validity and sufficient reliability was developed, which can be used to measure pain in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in daily situations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"83-92"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annemieke Hoogstad, Nienke Peters-Scheffer, Liesbeth Mevissen, Robert Didden
{"title":"The impact of traumatic and stressful life events on the relatives of trauma-exposed adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities: \"Each time a piece of your strength breaks off\".","authors":"Annemieke Hoogstad, Nienke Peters-Scheffer, Liesbeth Mevissen, Robert Didden","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525661","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities frequently experience traumatic events, placing them at higher risk for trauma-related disorders. Although these events also affect their relatives, their experiences have not been studied.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with eight first-degree relatives of adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities who had experienced traumatic events, as identified through a trauma interview.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged: (1) the impact varied, with some relatives developing trauma-related symptoms; (2) characteristics of events in terms of severity and frequency, accompanied by feelings of helplessness, guilt, and inadequacy; (3) coping strategies, including social support, persevering and avoidance; and (4) the link between impact and long-term care for the client, potentially increasing relatives' susceptibility to complaints.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Professionals must be aware of the effects of trauma on relatives of individuals with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities. Further research needs to explore differences among relatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"63-73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A systematic review of the characteristics of programs and services resulting in competitive employment outcomes for young people with an intellectual disability.","authors":"Alison Enticott, Angela Dew","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2499674","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2499674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transitioning to paid employment is part of the natural progression to adulthood, yet the number of people with an intellectual disability who are competitively employed globally is low. This study systematically reviewed the literature to understand characteristics of programs that support competitive employment outcomes for young people with an intellectual disability.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Five databases were searched. Two quality assessment tools were used: the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool; and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Content analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's theoretical thematic analysis framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key findings demonstrated the importance of early career planning, work exposure, post-secondary education and certification, and on-the-job training.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Further research, along with the application and adaptation of existing international studies presented in this systematic review, could drive system-wide changes prioritising competitive employment outcomes for young people with intellectual disability, enabling them to experience the benefits of competitive employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"27-38"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144144458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How special educators provide reading and writing instruction to secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A national survey of the United States of America.","authors":"Derek B Rodgers, Susan J Loveall","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2614681","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2614681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is limited research regarding teachers' instructional practices and beliefs around teaching reading and writing skills to secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Three hundred forty-eight special educators in the United States responded to a survey about their instructional practices, self-efficacy, and beliefs regarding reading and writing instruction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants reported providing regular reading and/or writing instruction, enjoying and feeling confident in teaching these skills, and believing that reading and writing are important skills for their students. Participants' self-efficacy and years of experience explained significant variability in their beliefs about whether their students could improve their literacy skills.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Special educators overwhelmingly agree that reading and writing are important skills and generally indicated that they believe their students can make important gains. Teachers' beliefs about the malleability of reading and writing skills were related to their sense of self-efficacy in teaching those skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146203822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}