ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is growing recognition that many young people (<18 years) with intellectual disability (ID) may benefit from psychosocial support provided by mental health services, yet intervention outcomes have not been robustly evaluated.MethodData from 1986 episodes of care for young people with ID and 3968 matched episodes for those without ID were extracted from electronic health records of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (2001–2023). Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).ResultsID frequently co‐occurred with other neurodevelopmental conditions and behavioural difficulties (prevalence > 50%). CGAS scores at service entry positively predicted CGAS scores at discharge; however, this association weakened in the presence of ID and co‐occurring pervasive developmental disorders or hyperkinetic disorders. ID was associated with lower CGAS scores at discharge than those without ID. Within the ID group, young people with severe/profound ID and comorbidities demonstrated greater rates of improvement than those with severe/profound ID only. 20% of young people with ID showed clinically significant improvement at discharge (reliable change index ≥ 1.96). Despite this improvement, 80% of the same group continued to experience substantial impairment (CGAS < 61).ConclusionsMost young people with ID remained substantially impaired at discharge, highlighting the complexity of their needs and the importance of sustained, targeted support. Further research should examine specific intervention types and treatment trajectories in this population.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe amount of muscle mass is an important criterion to diagnose sarcopenia. Two feasible methods for measuring muscle mass in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and calf circumference (CC). CC measurements are more accessible, cheaper and easier to use than BIA in adults with ID. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity and intrarater reliability of CC to estimate muscle mass compared to BIA in adults with mild and moderate ID and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF).MethodsThis study was part of the PRET study (NTR, NL8382), which examined the effect of Progressive Resistance Exercise Training on cardiovascular risk factors in 36 adults with ID (55.58 years, SD: 12.89). Construct validity was analysed with Pearson's correlations between CC and BIA measurements (skeletal muscle mass [SMM], segmental muscle mass [SegMM] and skeletal muscle index [SMI]). The intrarater reliability was analysed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe correlation between CC and SMM was 0.19 (95% CI [−0.16, 0.49]), 0.60 (95% CI [0.33, 0.78]) between CC and SegMM and 0.69 (95% CI [0.47, 0.83]) between CC and SMI. The ICC was 0.94 (95% CI [0.89, 0.97]).ConclusionsThe excellent intrarater reliability of CC indicates that CC measurements are reliable within the same assessor for adults with ID and CVRF. However, the use of CC to estimate muscle mass compared to BIA remains questionable.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Bayley Scales of Infant Development is used in many studies and clinical trials in children with developmental disabilities, including children with Angelman syndrome (AS).MethodWe assessed 142 children with AS in an international multicentre study with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III, of which 52 children were tested more than once. We assessed criterion validity using proportion analysis, scalability using Mokken analyses and stability of scoring by counting pass‐to‐fail and fail‐to‐pass items.ResultsResults revealed good scalability in all scales but the expressive language scale, indicating that the items of these scales measured one underlying trait. In the expressive language scale, the AS‐related speech difficulties invalidated scoring. Scoring within children across assessments was unstable for all scales except the gross motor scale, as more than half of the children made one or more errors in previously correct items. Loss or regression of skills does not fully explain this finding. Alternative explanations including motivation, concentration, on‐task behaviour and anxiety should also be considered when scores decline.ConclusionsThis study shows that caution should be taken when interpreting single and successive scores of children with AS on the Bayley‐III and that other forms of assessment should complement assessment in children with AS.

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious research has shown that autistic transition‐aged youth with low IQ experience low rates of integrated employment and postsecondary education (PSE) enrolment. Notably, much of this work was conducted over a decade ago, and the landscape of opportunities has changed since that time. Therefore, the present study described the rate of involvement in vocational and PSE activities among a contemporary sample of autistic youth with low IQ residing in the United States.MethodOnline survey responses were collected from 91 caregivers of autistic youth with low IQ residing in the United States. The survey gathered demographic information and assessed the behavioural functioning of the youth, along with their vocational and educational experiences.ResultsThirty‐five per cent of autistic youth with low IQ were not involved in any vocational/PSE activity. Approximately 15% of youth were participating in integrated employment (with or without supports), and 5% were enrolled in a range of degree‐ and non‐degree‐seeking PSE programmes. In a follow‐up analysis, we found that youth who were engaged in vocational/PSE activities had higher family incomes, higher daily living skills, and lower rates of borderline‐to‐clinical levels of internalising and externalising behaviours than those who were not engaged in any vocational or PSE activity.ConclusionsOur findings indicate low participation (~20%) in integrated employment and PSE programmes, despite national efforts to increase these types of activities, and highlight the continued need to remove barriers that prevent engagement in vocational and PSE activities among autistic youth with low IQ.

ABSTRACTBackgroundYoung people with intellectual disability may exhibit poorer general health, higher mortality rates and greater limitations from physical or mental illnesses compared to the general population. It is important to understand how this may relate to healthcare utilisation, including factors influencing healthcare access for young people with intellectual disability. This systematic review aimed to examine healthcare utilisation and to identify common barriers and facilitators of healthcare access for young people with intellectual disability.MethodFive databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) were searched from 1 January 2013 to 31 October 2024 to identify articles that examined healthcare utilisation for young people (≤ 18 years old) with intellectual disability. and full‐text screening were conducted by two reviewers; data from included articles were critically appraised.ResultsThirty‐three studies were included for synthesis and focused on utilisation of hospital inpatient services (n = 22), emergency department (ED) services (n = 13), mental health or psychiatric services (n = 7) and mental health day programmes or outreach services (n = 1). Young people with intellectual disability generally had a higher proportion of hospital admissions, ED visits, hospital length of stay, mental health outpatient visits, mortality, 30‐day hospital readmission and complications of care, compared to young people without intellectual disability. Common facilitators of healthcare access and engagement included having health insurance coverage and the use of visual aids and tools for the young person with intellectual disability. Barriers included low socio‐economic status and poor provider communication and knowledge about intellectual disability.ConclusionsThere are clear disparities in health service outcomes for young people with intellectual disability compared to the general population, which may be influenced by socio‐cultural factors and access to knowledgeable and empathetic healthcare providers. Targeted education for healthcare providers may enhance the provision of high‐quality care and improve healthcare utilisation and health outcomes for young people with intellectual disability.

ABSTRACTBackgroundChildren with complex communication needs (CCN), particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), experience significant communication challenges. This scoping review analyses the existing literature on clinical interventions designed to enhance communication in these children. The aim was to describe which intervention models are being evaluated in studies, which treatments have shown positive effects and what the clinical profile of children and adolescents who benefit from these interventions is.MethodThe scoping review was conducted following the methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).ResultsThe search strategy identified 797 records; eight records met all eligibility criteria and were included for review. The review found that multimodal interventions combining augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), naturalistic strategies and parent training were the most effective in improving both expressive and receptive communication.ConclusionsDespite the limited existing research, studies suggest that multimodal interventions can effectively enhance communication in children with CCN. This review highlights significant gaps in the literature, including the scarcity of studies with appropriate methodological rigour and the lack of standardised protocols for CCN interventions. There is a critical need for evidence‐based guidelines, professional training and policy development to ensure equitable access to effective interventions.

ABSTRACTBackgroundChildren with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities are not usually invited to share their lived experiences through research. In addition to their difficulties in communication and cognitive functions, their exclusion is caused by the lack of suitable data collection instruments. Since the 1990s, more research has focused on the lived experiences of people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this review is to examine how the experiences of children with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities have been studied.MethodA systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies were searched from CINAHL, Education Collection, Sociology Collection, Social Science Database and PsycINFO in November 2023 and January 2025. Eligible studies had been published since the year 2000 in English or Finnish, included at least one child with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities and aimed to collect their experiences. General study details, population characteristics, and data collection details were extracted. The methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The analysis included a descriptive summary and inductive content analysis with intercoder reliability assessment.ResultsThe eligible studies (n = 41) used individual interviews, questionnaires, task‐based approaches, observations and focus groups. Participants were mainly 12 years or older, had moderate intellectual disabilities, and could communicate with speech. The adaptations (i.e., any adjustments made for specific needs) comprised four top‐level categories and 27 subcategories. The most commonly used adaptations and adaptations for different participant groups are presented.ConclusionsIndividual interviews and questionnaires with simple adaptations usually suit children with moderate intellectual disabilities who use speech to communicate. Individual interviews with multiple adaptations can be suitable for a wider group. Some task‐based approaches and profound and long‐lasting observations can be considered with children with non‐symbolic communication and severe or profound intellectual disabilities.

ABSTRACTIntroductionPeople with intellectual disability (ID) face increased vulnerability to addictive behaviours, yet effective interventions are under‐researched. This study aimed to systematically review existing interventions for substance use and problem gambling in this population.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we searched Web of Science, PsycINFO and CENTRAL for studies on substance use or gambling tailored for people with ID. Two independent reviewers synthesised the data and assessed the methodological quality using established tools.ResultsSixteen studies were included: three randomised controlled trials (RCTs), six non‐randomised trials and seven case studies. Most studies involved small samples of male adults with mild ID, focusing on tobacco (n = 6), polydrug use (n = 5), alcohol (n = 3), opioids (n = 1) or gambling (n = 1). Mindfulness‐based therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy combined with motivational interviewing showed promising results for reducing tobacco and alcohol use in people with ID. Short‐term benefits were observed for alcohol and cannabis use, though impacts on severity were unclear. Psychoeducation was frequently integrated with behavioural techniques, contributing to reduced substance use through enhanced awareness and knowledge.ConclusionsThe evidence for interventions targeting substance use and gambling in individuals with ID remains limited. A meta‐analysis was not possible due to insufficient data, though single‐case designs provided valuable insights. More rigorous and comprehensive research is needed to better understand and improve intervention strategies for addressing substance use and gambling problems in people with ID.Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023477296