{"title":"Investigation of the Lived Experience of Family Members of a Person With Intellectual Disabilities Who Presents With Pica.","authors":"Natasha Pearson, Peter Baker, Jill Bradshaw","doi":"10.1111/jar.70268","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pica, the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive substances, poses significant health risks for individuals with intellectual disabilities yet remains under-recognised, particularly in home settings.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of family members supporting a person with intellectual disabilities who engages in pica. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, four in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary caregivers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five superordinate themes were identified: Living on High Alert, Systemic Failures in Care, Emotional Erosion, Resourceful Parenting, and The Silence Around Pica. Caregivers described constant vigilance, emotional exhaustion, and the strain of managing life-threatening behaviours with little professional input. They also demonstrated creativity and resilience while fulfilling multiple roles as carers, advocates, and problem-solvers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Findings highlight a profound gap between the severity of pica and the adequacy of professional responses, underscoring the need for increased awareness, training, and specialist support.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13275205/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148274093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren Shelley, Effie Pearson, Joanne Tarver, Jane Waite
{"title":"Understanding Aggression in SATB2-Associated Syndrome: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Caregiver Perspectives.","authors":"Lauren Shelley, Effie Pearson, Joanne Tarver, Jane Waite","doi":"10.1111/jar.70247","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by developmental delay, speech impairment, and craniofacial anomalies. High rates of aggression are reported in SAS, yet the profile and contributing factors remain poorly understood. This study explored caregiver perspectives on aggression in SAS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Caregivers of 37 individuals with SAS (M age = 11.42 years) completed questionnaires on adaptive ability, aggression and behavioural function. Semi-structured interviews with 34 caregivers explored contextual factors such as triggers, co-occurring emotions, and management strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aggression was reported in 87% of individuals, with frequent forms including pulling/grabbing (84%) and hitting with a body part (69%) or object (53%). Aggression was often linked to frustration, anxiety, and triggers relating to demands, routines, repetitive behaviour, and tangibles. Caregivers described varied management strategies and background factors influencing aggression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings provide the first detailed description of aggression in SAS, highlighting vulnerabilities to guide tailored behavioural assessment and interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147990311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Facilitating Research Participation: How Researchers Support People With Communication Support Needs to Decide to Participate.","authors":"Deborah L Lutz, Karen R Fisher","doi":"10.1111/jar.70256","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence is needed about the practicalities of how researchers support people with intellectual disabilities and communication support needs to facilitate their choice to participate in research. What are the elements of effective support from researchers that build on trusted relationships between the person and supporters for that decision?</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The article applies an analytical framework about effective support for decision making to qualitative data about researchers' support for choices to participate in three ethnographic case studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis found researchers became supporters in the person's decision making by directly supporting the person and engaging with their supporters in ways that prioritised the person's rights.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The analysis extends the framework by finding that when researchers position themselves as supporters, they can leverage trusted relationships and demonstrate to facilitate the person's right to choose whether to participate in research, representing a methodological and ethical advance for inclusive research practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13238441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148166022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megan Cvitanovic, Justin Steinberg, Timothy Seay-Morrison, Felicia Hui, Amanda Young, Kobie Respicio, Bradley Margetts, Sue Digre, Colleen Vega, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Clarke, Sydney C Walls, Lisa G Rosas, Krysta S Barton, Holly K Tabor
{"title":"The Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Megan Cvitanovic, Justin Steinberg, Timothy Seay-Morrison, Felicia Hui, Amanda Young, Kobie Respicio, Bradley Margetts, Sue Digre, Colleen Vega, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Clarke, Sydney C Walls, Lisa G Rosas, Krysta S Barton, Holly K Tabor","doi":"10.1111/jar.70240","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While COVID-19 had a devastating impact on mental health worldwide, little is known about its effects on adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We used a community-based participatory approach to study this population's mental health experiences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six focus groups were conducted: four with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (n = 21) and two with caregivers (n = 13). Conventional content analysis and thematic network analysis were utilised.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified cascading impacts of the pandemic on the mental health of this population. Sub-themes included: (1) environmental effects, (2) emotional effects and (3) physical and behavioural effects of COVID-19. Five modifying factors were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic, while specific in its restrictions and timing, illustrated and exacerbated unmet mental health needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These results suggest opportunities for empirical research and policy development, relevant for future emergencies and ongoing medical and non-medical support of this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Educators' Book Selection in Shared Book Reading: A Case From an Early Intervention Centre for Children With Down Syndrome.","authors":"Hooi San Phoon, Hui Min Low, Jia Chuan Lim","doi":"10.1111/jar.70241","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Language development in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is often delayed, requiring targeted interventions. Shared Book Reading (SBR), an evidence-based approach, supports language and pre-literacy skills through interactive reading. For children with DS, selecting suitable books is vital due to their unique intellectual and linguistic profiles.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study examined books used by educators during SBR with young children with DS and factors influencing selection. Using a mixed-methods design, data from 13 educators at a Malaysian early intervention centre were gathered through a survey and an open-ended question.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed a strong preference for picture storybooks, followed by sensory and wordless books among educators. Seven factors guided choices: simple language; clear visuals; developmental level; interest and engagement; format and interactivity; rhythmic and repetitive language; and conceptual simplicity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings inform educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers, supporting guidelines for developmentally appropriate, inclusive reading materials to enhance language and literacy outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147990206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nikos Sarras, Lisa Richardson, Eve Bolland, Katrina Scior
{"title":"Stigma Resistance by Adult Self-Advocates With Intellectual Disabilities.","authors":"Nikos Sarras, Lisa Richardson, Eve Bolland, Katrina Scior","doi":"10.1111/jar.70259","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People with intellectual disabilities continue to experience stigmatisation, yet little is known about how they manage or resist stigma. The present study aimed to qualitatively explore stigma resistance, including barriers to and facilitators of stigma resistance, from the perspective of self-advocates with intellectual disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Sixteen adult self-advocates participated in semi-structured virtual interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes were identified: (i) asserting oneself, (ii) speaking out, (iii) using lived experience to drive change and (iv) strengthening positive identities. Perceived barriers and facilitators were linked to personal and environmental factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study advances our knowledge of how people with intellectual disabilities resist stigma. Although the research highlights the importance of individual and collective resistance, it also reminds us that work must still be done to tackle stigma within the institutional and social structures where power imbalances prevail.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13241321/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zoe Rubenstein, Jon Glasby, Rachel Posaner, Robin Miller, Anne-Marie Glasby
{"title":"A Systematic Review of Outcomes for People With Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autistic People Following Resettlement From Long-Stay Hospitals in the UK.","authors":"Zoe Rubenstein, Jon Glasby, Rachel Posaner, Robin Miller, Anne-Marie Glasby","doi":"10.1111/jar.70244","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite attempts to reduce the use of modern secure specialist hospitals (long-stay hospitals) for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autistic people, there remains a limited understanding of what happens after discharge.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Systematic review of outcomes following resettlement from UK long-stay hospitals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Outcomes generally improve following resettlement, although some soon level off and rarely reach the level of comparable populations. We still know little about service costs or about how many readmissions/reconvictions to expect given the complexity of people's needs and such rates in other settings. Above all, most studies fail to meaningfully include the voices of people themselves.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Outcomes improve after hospital, but this is not guaranteed and even improved outcomes may still not be good enough. Future research should aim to fill a number of gaps in current knowledge-but in particular must draw much more meaningfully on the lived experience of people and families.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13164828/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147876304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"\"A Change in Culture From It Being an Optional Extra to an Integral Part of Education\"-Teacher's Experiences of Teaching Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) to Learners With Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities in the Republic of Ireland.","authors":"Leanne Connolly, Kathryn O'Mahony, Conor Scully","doi":"10.1111/jar.70260","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>According to UNESCO (2018), there is an increased need for research on teacher effectiveness regarding sexuality education. This study aims to respond to this need through capturing the views, experiences, and preparedness of teachers to support the teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) to learners with Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities in Special Schools in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).</p><p><strong>Method & results: </strong>Responding teachers (n = 34) to the predominantly quantitative online survey describe a lack of pre-requisite knowledge and skills required to teach RSE to learners with Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities, with a lack of access to professional learning opportunities or appropriate resources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Many teachers are not teaching RSE and therefore students who can be described as most vulnerable, are not accessing their human-right to sexuality education. Teachers identified the supports required as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), training & support; accessible & appropriate resources; and a dedicated programme and toolkit.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13263402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148240749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Methodological Challenges to Recommendations for Future Practice: Lessons From an Ethnographic Study With People With Intellectual Disabilities.","authors":"Karina Nissen Frøkjær, Siri Lygum Voldbjerg, Tine Fristrup, Philippa Rasmussen, Mette Grønkjær, Helle Haslund-Thomsen","doi":"10.1111/jar.70266","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jar.70266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Methodological, social and ethical challenges embedded in qualitative research with people with intellectual disabilities call for innovation and approaches that amplify their voices. This paper aims to offer methodological recommendations based on a critical reflection and discussion of the challenges involved in conducting qualitative and inclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities. It focuses on challenges related to inclusion, obtaining consent, conducting participant observations and individual interviews and involvement through an expert panel including people with intellectual disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Inclusive research and critical disability studies inspired the analytical lens applied in the discussion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Researchers are advised to adapt and tailor research methods. This may involve adopting an inclusive approach, establishing prior familiarity, applying multimodal strategies or alternative methods to verbally dominated approaches, such as the sensory-dialogical approach.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This paper contributes to existing research methodologies; however, substantial challenges remain and future methodological developments are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13283779/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Helena Verhelle, Karolien Adriaens, Debbie van Biesen, Tine Vertommen
{"title":"Bystander Training for Coaches in Disability Sports: Findings From the Safe Para Sport Allies Program.","authors":"Helena Verhelle, Karolien Adriaens, Debbie van Biesen, Tine Vertommen","doi":"10.1111/jar.70262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.70262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sport participation offers many benefits. However, individuals with disabilities often face barriers to accessing sport. Moreover, when they do participate, they are at a higher risk of experiencing interpersonal violence compared to peers without disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The Safe Para Sport Allies bystander training program was implemented and evaluated among coaches (n = 87) working with sport participants with intellectual disabilities and/or cerebral palsy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Following the program, coaches reported higher readiness to change with regard to performing positive bystander behaviours in situations of interpersonal violence. They also reported stronger intentions to set boundaries. When presented with a sport participant-perpetrator scenario, both attitudes and perceived behavioural control improved after the program. No changes in determinants were observed for the coach-perpetrator scenario.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The tailored Safe Para Sport Allies bystander program strengthened coaches' capacity to respond to interpersonal violence in disability sport, underscoring the need for context-sensitive safeguarding strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":73610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID","volume":"39 3","pages":"e70262"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}