Tag Archives: intellectual disability

Epilepsy in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Prevalence, Associations and Service Implications

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Introduction

The prevalence of epilepsy in people with an intellectual disability is higher than in the general population. The outlook for individuals with both epilepsy and intellectual disability depends on the presence of any associated conditions. There have been few epidemiological studies of the prevalence of epilepsy and associated problems within a representative adult intellectual disability population to inform the development of a policy.

Findings

  • The prevalence of epilepsy was at least 26 times higher than in the general adult population
  • There was no particular concentration of epilepsy in any gender, ethnic or residential subgroups.
  • Morbidities specifically associated with epilepsy included low level of understanding, incontinence, difficulty walking, poor speech, lack of empathy.
  • These problems make epilepsy care more difficult for people with an intellectual disability and suggest the need for a multidisciplinary skills

 

Reference

McGrother, C.W.; Bhaumik, S.; Thorp, C.F.; Hauck, A.; Brandford, D.; Watson, J.A.(2005). Epilepsy in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Prevalence, Associations and Service Implications. Seizure. 15, 376-386.

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Children with Intellectual Disability

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Introduction

The study examined the prevalence, stability and characteristics pf ASD in children diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

Methodology

The methodology used to assess the prevalence of ASD in children diagnoses with an intellectual disability identified 2,208 children through the South Carolina Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network. The data reviewed was done in threes phases including screening, extraction and case evaluation. The process included screening each child’s clinical  records, and public school information. Records were abstracted that included information on diagnoses, behavior descriptors and characteristics. The records were then evaluated for both an intellectual disability and autism status.

Findings

  • Rates of ASD in intellectual disabilities were substantially higher than ASD rates reported in the general U.S. population
  • Rates demonstrated elevated and increasing rates of ASD within diagnosis of an intellectual disability.
  • These efforts are warranted to reduce public health costs and support individual well-being for the approximately 24% of people with an intellectual disability who also meet the ASD criteria.

Reference

Tonnsen, B.L.; Boan, A.D.; Bradley, CC.; Charles, J.; Cohen, A.; Carpenter, L.A (2016). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Children with Intellectual Disability. American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 121 (6). 487-500

Prevalence of Dysphagia in People with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review

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Introduction

The purpose of this study is to summarize international research that has been conducted on the prevalence of dysphagia in people with intellectual disabilities.

Methodology

The authors reviewed studies that were published from 1990 to July 2016. The studies were identified through using databases including Medline, Cinahl, PsyINFO, and Web of Science. Further information was obtained through email requests and cross-citations.

Through this method, twenty studies were identified. The study selection required that the studies were peer reviewed, and samples of people where at least 50% had an intellectual disability

Findings

  • Dysphagia is common in people with an intellectual disability and my be under-recognized.
  • Improved recognition and management of dysphagia may reduce the occurrence of associated health conditions and reduce hospital admissions and premature death
  • Organizations that are providing services and supports to individuals with an intellectual disability need access to resources that provide comprehensive information on topics relating to dysphagia.

 

Reference

Robert, J.; Chadwick, D.; Baines, S.; Emerson, E.; Hatton, C. (2017). Prevalence of Dysphagia in People with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 55(6). 377-391