Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment

Quality of Life in Higher Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Family Perceptions

Esther Vela — 2024-05-17

Background: Intellectual disability is a disorder of intellectual development that, due to its characteristics, involves a series of limitations in cognitive functioning and generalization of learning. These difficulties can evolve with appropriate intervention, which can enhance the quality of life of these people and their families.

Objectives: The study seeks to determine the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities in general and in its different dimensions, taking into account the perception of the person with a disability and that of his/her family.

Methods: This study focuses on a specific field: higher education for people with intellectual disabilities. It uses a sample of 19 young people and their 19 corresponding families to determine whether there are significant differences between the two groups, i.e., parents and children. The INICO-FEAPS tool was used to achieve these objectives.

Results: The data obtained, and their subsequent analysis have allowed us to detect medium-high levels of quality of life and significant differences between the indices of both groups, highlighting higher scores in the case of families. In addition, self-determination has been revealed as the dimension with the lowest scores, followed by social inclusion and interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion: This makes it possible, at the professional level, to focus on these aspects and become aware of the necessary measures to improve intervention in the educational and family environment.

There is always Sorrow: Risk Factors Faced by Parents of Children Presenting with Severe Intellectual Disabilities

Sandisiwe Buthelezi — 2024-05-17

Background: This study investigates the risk factors faced by parents of children with Severe Intellectual Disabilities.

Methods: This study used a phenomenological research design within a qualitative research approach. Six parents of children diagnosed with Severe Intellectual Disability at Learners with Special Educational Needs schools were purposively selected to participate in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Thematic data analysis was used to analyze data.

Results: The findings of this study revealed that parents of children with Severe Intellectual Disabilities faced risks that exacerbated negative outcomes. Psychological distress, social exclusion and isolation, financial burdens, and lack of access to formal education were risk factors that hindered their ability to care for and support their children.

Conclusions: Based on these findings, the study concluded that parents need access to multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals to support them in combatting the risk factors they face.

Understanding Sexual Dysfunctions in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities from A Psychological Perspective

Liana Spytska — 2024-05-17

Background: This article delves into the complex world of sexual dysfunctions in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), a topic that has been relatively underexplored in the realm of psychological research. Intending to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this population, the article meticulously examines the barriers to effective communication, cognitive differences, and the social dynamics that impact both the experiences and treatment outcomes for individuals with ID.

Methods: The study utilized a blend of empirical methods, including questionnaires, psychodiagnostic tests, and graphical representations of data, and was conducted among a substantial sample of 1450 individuals with ID in Kyiv, Ukraine. It offers a comprehensive overview of the sexual health landscape within this community.

Results: The research findings highlight a notable prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among the ID population, exacerbated by a lack of accessible sexual education, the prevalence of unsafe sexual practices, and a high rate of self-reported sexual abuse.

Conclusions: The article emphasizes the importance of a nuanced understanding and approach to sexual health care and education for individuals with ID. It calls for policies, practices, and further research that honor the dignity, autonomy, and sexual rights of individuals with ID, aiming to bridge the current gaps in care and understanding. By doing so, it contributes significantly to the discourse on sexual health in the ID population, offering valuable insights and directions for future work in this vital area of study.