{"title":"Health professionals' views and experiences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): \"If we're not thinking FASD, we're not assessing it, we're not diagnosing it\".","authors":"Miranda Eodanable, Sinead Rhodes, Katie Cebula","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2681117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2681117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low diagnostic rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) persist in the United Kingdom. This qualitative study explored clinicians' views about the FASD diagnostic process, post-diagnostic supports and disability identity formation.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Twenty-five clinicians across NHS Scotland were interviewed online about: FASD knowledge and training; clinical practice; facilitators and barriers in FASD practice; and diagnostic impact on young people's self and disability identity. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinician views and compassionate practice were framed by their training, professional role, and service type. In the FASD diagnostic process, clinicians valued their role in supporting people's self-understanding and access to supports. Diagnostic practice was impacted by ethical concerns for the biological parent/child relationship and broaching FASD and disability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Multidisciplinary and neurodevelopmental assessment services can support complexity in FASD practice. Clinician roles in diagnostic practice can contribute to positive experiences of diagnosis, disability, and identity for young people.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377869","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":"Lived experiences of students with intellectual disabilities in integrated physical education in Germany.","authors":"Christopher Mihajlovic, Martin Giese","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2687043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2687043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study explored the lived experiences and subjective feelings of inclusion among students with intellectual disabilities in cooperative physical education (PE) in Germany.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Adaptive, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two themes emerged: (a) Being part of two classes - highlighting feelings of belonging when participating either jointly with the cooperation class or separately with peers with disabilities; and (b) \"They don't want to pass me the ball,\" illustrating (dis-)ability as a barrier to participation. Both integrated and segregated activities could foster belonging, depending on individual needs and preferences. Participants also described internalised ableism, which shaped expectations of exclusion and self-doubt.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Inclusion in PE is experienced in diverse ways, and flexible approaches that acknowledge individual abilities and perceptions are essential for fostering meaningful participation and belonging.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148284725","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}
Andrea Almas, Rosemary Lysaght, Susan Farrell, Lorrie Heffernan
{"title":"Co-designing health care: Engaging people with intellectual disabilities and mental health concerns, caregivers, and clinicians.","authors":"Andrea Almas, Rosemary Lysaght, Susan Farrell, Lorrie Heffernan","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2668768","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2668768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Engagement has been highlighted as a means to address challenges faced by persons with intellectual disabilities who seek accessible and effective mental health care. This study explored the effectiveness of practical engagement strategies within a community-based mental health service.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This proof-of-concept study engaged clients, caregivers, and clinicians in a co-design process to create an annotated welcome package outline. Client and caregiver engagement strategies were applied and evaluated on their effectiveness in engaging study participants within the product design process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Being Empowered, Being Heard and Valued, Engaging Processes, and Sharing Information and New Learning were four themes that emerged from the data. Results suggested that the Project Action Team members felt engaged during the co-design process and recognised the importance of their engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provided preliminary evidence that the practical engagement strategies were effective in building client and caregiver engagement during a program level activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148267032","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":"The benefits of <i>kapa haka</i> for adults with intellectual disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.","authors":"Vonny Davis, Tracey Carlyon, Rosina Merry","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2668766","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2668766","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how adults with intellectual disabilities experience <i>kapa haka</i> and explore the benefits and challenges they experience, in comparison with the general population.<b>Method:</b> The research was qualitative in nature. Data gathering methods included a survey with performers, and semi-structured interviews with members of one case study comprised of <i>kapa haka</i> performers, tutors, and families.<b>Results:</b> The benefits for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in <i>kapa haka</i> include increased confidence; a sense of belonging and connection; improved communication; and stronger cultural connections. These benefits were similar to those experienced by the general population.<b>Conclusion:</b> The overall findings from the study highlighted the central and positive role <i>kapa hak</i>a can play in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260450","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":"Kinship care and Aboriginal children with disabilities in out-of-home care: \"My boy, I was his voice\".","authors":"Jocelyn Jones, Juliet Brook, Sasha Moodie, Richard Chenhall, Robyn Williams, Cathy Garlett, Katiska Davis, Alison Gibberd, Ben Harrap, Bridgette McNamara, Melissa O'Donnell, Sandra Eades","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2668767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2668767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with a disability are over-represented in child welfare systems worldwide. Despite this, little is known about their involvement with the Australian child protection system or their lived experiences.</p><p><p>Led by Indigenous researchers and methodologies, qualitative findings from yarning sessions with 46 kinship carers across Western Australia informed this research. This research is part of the Indigenous Child Removals WA (I-CaRe WA) project.</p><p><p>Difficulty accessing disability assessments and diagnoses for children resulted in a lack of access to disability support services and missed opportunities for early intervention. Priority areas for improvement included appropriate and accessible training for carers and practice support.</p><p><p>Urgent reform to account for the needs of Aboriginal kinship carers and children with disabilities in their care is required to improve their health and wellbeing.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201093","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}
Stefanie Dimov, Marissa Shields, Zoe Aitken, Anne M Kavanagh, Helen Dickinson, Georgina Sutherland
{"title":"Time trends in post-school outcomes for young Australians with intellectual disabilities.","authors":"Stefanie Dimov, Marissa Shields, Zoe Aitken, Anne M Kavanagh, Helen Dickinson, Georgina Sutherland","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2026.2668769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2026.2668769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Young people with intellectual disabilities experience persistent disadvantages in post-school outcomes. This study examined trends in post-school outcomes for young Australians with intellectual disabilities over a 10-year period, relative to peers with other disability types or no disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Using data from four waves of the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2012-2022), outcomes were examined for 20-29-year-olds with intellectual disabilities. Outcomes across five domains were examined: school completion, further education, labour force participation, income and government support.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analyses showed a persistent pattern of inequality across all domains. While secondary school completion improved, these gains did not translate to further education or employment - gaps widened in both areas. Economic inequality, including low income and reliance on government support, remained unchanged.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite major policy investment, outcomes remain poorer for this group. Greater focus on inclusion and coordinated cross-sector support is required to address entrenched inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148201180","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}
Laura Ryan, Kathy Ellem, Robyne Le Brocque, Claire Mitchell, Luka Langdon
{"title":"Exploring perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of patient-led recording for adults with Down syndrome and their support people: A qualitative study.","authors":"Laura Ryan, Kathy Ellem, Robyne Le Brocque, Claire Mitchell, Luka Langdon","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525664","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2525664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People with Down syndrome often face communication barriers, cognitive limitations, and inadequate service responses during hospital clinical encounters, leading to poorer health outcomes. Patient-led recordings, where individuals use their own smart devices to capture clinical encounters, show promise in helping to address these issues. However, their use in this population remains unexplored.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults with Down syndrome and 12 nominated support people. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a critical realist approach to thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants identified several benefits of patient-led recordings, including improved communication, enhanced comprehension, supported decision-making, increased empowerment, and positive emotional impacts. However, barriers such as awareness, accessibility, digital literacy, consent, and confidentiality concerns were noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patient-led recordings could improve healthcare experiences for some people with Down syndrome, but addressing key barriers is necessary for successful implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"127-138"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144651174","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}
Carmen Gutiérrez-Cruz, Pablo Ulsen-Morales, Francisco J Ruiz-Perálvarez, Saray Muñoz-López, Beatriz Redondo, Jesús Vera, Danica Janicijevic, Amador García-Ramos
{"title":"Effects of fully immersive virtual reality-based training on cognitive and motor functions in adults with intellectual disabilities.","authors":"Carmen Gutiérrez-Cruz, Pablo Ulsen-Morales, Francisco J Ruiz-Perálvarez, Saray Muñoz-López, Beatriz Redondo, Jesús Vera, Danica Janicijevic, Amador García-Ramos","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2544105","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2544105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study evaluated a 12-session fully immersive virtual reality (VR) training program for people with intellectual disabilities, assessing its effects on (i) non-practiced VR game performance, (ii) cognitive and neuromotor response times, and (iii) skill transfer to real-world tasks.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A pre-post longitudinal design was used, with 17 participants in the VR group (VRG) and 21 in the control group (CG). The VRG completed two weekly 60-min training sessions over nine weeks, while the CG continued usual activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>VRG significantly improved VR game performance (ES = 0.46-1.38, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.040), while CG showed no changes. Response times did not improve in either group. Dual-task walking and balance improved in both groups, but motor skill performance declined in CG (<i>p</i> = 0.003).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fully immersive VR enhances cognitive-motor skills, but their transfer to specific real-world tasks remains limited, highlighting the need for integration with practical training.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"198-208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144876777","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":"Experiences and perspectives of professional caregivers on the transition of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: From the parental home to residential care facilities.","authors":"Lotte Habermann-Horstmeier, Louisa-Marie Schreiber","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2542981","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2542981","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Few studies have examined how professional caregivers perceive the relocation of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the family home to specialised residential settings.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight professional caregivers, exploring their experiences of admitting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities into residential care. Transcripts were analysed using Mayring's qualitative content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caregivers primarily addressed facility-related aspects of the transition, including the admission process, communication with families, and staffing concerns. They offered limited commentary on residents' personal experiences or family dynamics during the move.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this life-changing transition, future research should investigate the perspectives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities themselves, complementing prior studies focused on relatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"222-236"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145031126","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}
Juan Luis Blanco-López, Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Leticia Sánchez-Valdeón, Jesús Seco-Calvo
{"title":"Quality of life predictors for individuals with intellectual disability: Cross-sectional proxy-report data from a multicentre study.","authors":"Juan Luis Blanco-López, Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Leticia Sánchez-Valdeón, Jesús Seco-Calvo","doi":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2532918","DOIUrl":"10.3109/13668250.2025.2532918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This research investigated quality of life (QoL) predictors in Spanish adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals with high versus low-support intensity levels were compared.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 396 participants were divided into two groups based on support intensity and their QoL was evaluated using validated proxy-report measures (INICO-FEAPS/San Martín). Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted for 19 variables (QoL predictors) relating to personal characteristics, support needs, and environment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings demonstrated distinct QoL predictors for the two groups: recorded intellectual disability etiology; mental health status; living environment, adaptive behaviour; and institutionalisation were significant for the low-support intensity group, while adaptive behaviour and behavioural disorders were significant for the high-support intensity group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Different variables affect QoL for low and high-support intensity groups and highlight potential benefits of personalised care based on individual dependency levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":51466,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability","volume":" ","pages":"174-189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144776788","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}