How staff supporting children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour is clearly of major importance. This Scottish study set out to look at the knowledge that teaching staff had regarding definitions of and management of challenging behaviour displayed by children with learning disability. They found that the levels of knowledge amongst staff levels were relatively [read the full story…]
Joint dementia screening service highlights issues and delivers training to carers
Whilst there is no evidence that dementia affects people with learning disabilities in ways that are different to those without learning disability, there is a risk that the early stages of the disease may be missed or misinterpreted. People with Down syndrome may present with clinical symptoms in their late 40s or early 50s. Estimates [read the full story…]
Awareness of sexuality as part of identity has not changed restrictive attitudes in services for people with learning disabilities
This review of the literature set out to summarise the current status of knowledge and clinical practice in the area of relationships and sexuality for people with learning disabilities, which the review authors describe as an area that is complex and challenging. Services for people with learning disabilities have undergone a move towards personalisation, person-centred [read the full story…]
Staff beliefs on self harm in people with learning disabilities affect responses
There is a limited literature about self harm in people with learning disabilities. There are some qualitative studies, but mostly relating to forensic services. The researchers in this study were interested in the extent to which the beliefs that staff hold about self-harm influence their response to the behaviour. The researchers used Q-methodology a research [read the full story…]
Systematic review suggests active support does not yet meet criteria for evidence-based practice
Active Support is a coherent package of training in staff working practices and home organisational procedures to help staff to provide more direct support for resident participation, and increase levels of engagement in activities by residents. This systematic review identified two studies in which researchers reported three experimental evaluations of active support. Two of the [read the full story…]