Capacity of adults with intellectual disabilities to consent to sexual relationships

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1347-1357 ◽  
Author(s):  
GLYNIS H. MURPHY ◽  
ALI O'CALLAGHAN
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexual Rights ◽  
Sexual Knowledge ◽  
Capacity To Consent ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Almost All

Background. For people with intellectual disabilities there is a difficult balance to be struck between empowering people to claim their sexual rights and protecting them from abuse. Hypothetically, services should be guided by whether a particular person with intellectual disabilities has the capacity to consent to sexual relationships. However, there has been little agreement on how to define such capacity. This study examines the issue of capacity to consent to sexual relationships using a functional approach.Method. Adults with intellectual disabilities (n=60) and young people presumed in law able to consent (n=60) were assessed for their sexual knowledge and vulnerability to abuse.Results. Adults with intellectual disabilities were significantly less knowledgeable about almost all aspects of sex and appeared significantly more vulnerable to abuse, having difficulty at times distinguishing abusive from consenting relationships. Nevertheless, some adults with intellectual disabilities scored highly on all measures, especially if they had relatively high IQs and had had sex education.Conclusions. The reasons for the poorer knowledge and increased vulnerability of people with intellectual disabilities are discussed and it is recommended that they should have on-going access to sex education. Implications of the findings for definitions of capacity to consent to sexual relationships are considered.

A practical example of an open disclosure process for people with intellectual disabilities in the Republic of Ireland

2021 ◽  
pp. 174462952110189
Author(s):  
Feabhra Mullally ◽  
Deirdre Corby
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Republic Of Ireland ◽  
Open Disclosure ◽  
The Usa ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
The Uk

Literature pertaining to open disclosure predominantly refers to acute care settings; this is the case in, for example, the UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, Korea and the USA. There is, however, a dearth of literature regarding open disclosure related to people with intellectual disabilities. A practice example of open disclosure is presented here, following a serious adverse event in an organisation supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the process was to openly disclose in a meaningful way to adults with significant intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties. An apology pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary team based on individual communication needs. A suite of resources was developed including easy read-picture agendas and sign language to support increased understanding of the apology. Service users received the apology first, followed by meetings with their families. This practice example has positive implications for service providers for people with intellectual disabilities.

Pregabalin use in adults with intellectual disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S597-S597 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Courtenay ◽  
S. Jaydeokar ◽  
B. Perera
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Generalised Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anti Epileptic Drug ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionPregabalin is a well-established anti-epileptic drug in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also indicated for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain. In addition, it has mood modulating properties. In people with intellectual disabilities it is used to treat epilepsy. There is little evidence of the use of pregabalin in managing mental health difficulties in people with intellectual disabilities.ObjectivesTo describe the use of pregabalin in adults with intellectual disabilities.MethodA descriptive case series of adults with intellectual disabilities living in the community, under the care of a community psychiatrist, who are prescribed Pregabalin. Outcomes of treatment were measured using the health of the nation outcome scale for people with intellectual disabilities (HoNOS-LD).ResultsFourteen cases were identified in the community service of adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Twelve were men and two were women. The average age of the sample was 29 years. The range in duration of using pregabalin was from 3 to 72 months. Thirteen adults had a diagnosis of Autism of which three also had ADHD. The indications for using pregabalin and numbers were : anxiety (12); liability of mood (2); generalised anxiety disorder (1); epilepsy (1). The daily dose range was from 150 mg to 300 mg The mean change in HoNOS-LD scores was 32%.ConclusionsPregabalin is a useful treatment in people with intellectual disabilities who experience anxiety. It is especially effective among adults with ID and autism to modulate mood and anxiety symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals People with intellectual disabilities, relationship and sex education programmes: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 885-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward McCann ◽  
Lynne Marsh ◽  
Michael Brown
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the research evidence concerning the views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities regarding their participation in and the effectiveness of relationship and sex education programmes. Methods: A systematic search of relevant electronic databases was conducted using defined inclusion criteria. All papers reviewed were from October 1998 to October 2018. PRISMA guidelines were followed in the design and reporting of the systematic review. Results: A total of eight studies published in English were included in the review. Data were analysed and the key themes identified were (1) designing and developing relationship and sex education programmes, (2) participating in relationship and sex education programmes and (3) perceived benefits of relationship and sex education programme participation. Conclusion: This review identified that people with intellectual disabilities are accessing relationship and sex education programmes and appear to find them helpful. Further research is required to investigate the extent to which programmes impact on long-term behaviours that enable the development of sustainable relationships and reduce the unintended consequences of sexual activities. Implications for policy, practice and future research developments are discussed.

scholarly journals Aspirations held by young adults with intellectual disabilities and their mothers

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Mary McMahon ◽  
Karen Moni ◽  
Monica Cuskelly ◽  
Jan Lloyd ◽  
Anne Jobling
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Young People ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Aspirations ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Nuanced Understanding

This study reports on Australian small-scale exploratory descriptive research into how young people with intellectual disability and their families construct their futures. The aims of this research were to (a) better understand the future aspirations held by young adults with intellectual disability and their parents, (b) identify enablers and barriers to the achievement of these aspirations, and (c) provide insights for career practitioners who support young people with intellectual disability and their parents to achieve their personal and career goals. Participants were four young people with intellectual disabilities aged between 18 and 30 years and their mothers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Results provide a nuanced understanding of the issues facing young people with intellectual disabilities and their families in constructing their futures. Suggestions are offered that can inform career development practice and policy.

Services Available from Providers in the Disability Field to Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Laurie Buys
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Support Programs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

As most older adults with intellectual disabilities reside in community based accommodation, the availability of support programs and services becomes important to the maintenance of independent living. Thirty nine community based organisations in Brisbane, Australia that assist people with intellectual disabilities were surveyed regarding the types of programs offered to older adults with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that 75% of the organisations had provided assistance to an older adult with an intellectual disability in the past 12 months. However, none of the agencies surveyed reported that they provided specialised programs or services to older adults with intellectual disabilities.

scholarly journals The Design, Content and Delivery of Relationship and Sexuality Education Programmes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the International Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7568
Author(s):  
Michael Brown ◽  
Edward McCann ◽  
Maria Truesdale ◽  
Mark Linden ◽  
Lynne Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Programme Development ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes.

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