AIMS AND METHODMost studies into autistic disorder have concentrated on children. This study aims to establish a prevalence rate of autistic disorders in an adult population with learning disabilities. Adults accessing learning disability services were diagnosed as having an autistic disorder by a two-stage process. The first stage was screening using the Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Mental Retardation Scale and then those identified by screening were diagnosed clinically.RESULTSAn overall population rate of 7.7/10 000 for autistic disorder was obtained, which is a prevalence rate of 30% in those with learning disability. The prevalence rate was higher in intensive service settings.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONSSpecific funding and interventions need to be targeted for the treatment of autistic disorders.

Aims and MethodIndividuals with autism often have complex needs. In this paper, we attempt to establish the prevalence rates of other major psychiatric illnesses in learning disabled adults diagnosed with autism and analyse the use of medication in these individuals. A total of 571 clients with learning disability were screened for autistic spectrum disorder, identifying 164 individuals for study. Psychiatric and medical diagnoses were also reviewed.ResultsOf the individuals with autism, 35% had another comorbid psychiatric disorder. An overall prevalence rate of 10% for hypothyroidism was also identified and 35% of people with autism and no other psychiatric diagnosis were on neuroleptics.Clinical ImplicationsPlanning of services for autism will have to take into account the high comorbidity of autism and other psychiatric conditions. Individuals with autism will also benefit from close monitoring of mental state and the development of hypothyroidism.

The quality of evidence base for the use of pharmacological agents in the treatment of ISBs is inadequate to justify their use in routine clinical practice. If used, they should only be a part of a comprehensive treatment programme and closely monitored. In addition, there are several clinical, ethical and legal issues to be addressed before considering pharmacological treatment of ISBs in people with ID.

Aims and Method Individuals with autism often have complex needs. In this paper, we attempt to establish the prevalence rates of other major psychiatric illnesses in learning disabled adults diagnosed with autism and analyse the use of medication in these individuals. A total of 571 clients with learning disability were screened for autistic spectrum disorder, identifying 164 individuals for study. Psychiatric and medical diagnoses were also reviewed. Results Of the individuals with autism, 35% had another comorbid psychiatric disorder. An overall prevalence rate of 10% for hypothyroidism was also identified and 35% of people with autism and no other psychiatric diagnosis were on neuroleptics. Clinical Implications Planning of services for autism will have to take into account the high comorbidity of autism and other psychiatric conditions. Individuals with autism will also benefit from close monitoring of mental state and the development of hypothyroidism.

This is a case report and discussion of a man who presented with both learning disabilities and Munchausen's syndrome, a combination that is rarely described in the professional literature. Most individuals with Munchausen's syndrome disengage from professional services once diagnosed. In this report a case is described where an individual was followed up for a period of two years with treatment that appeared to be successful. Treatment is important for the individual, as some of the behaviours exhibited in order to feign illness are potentially dangerous, sometimes leading to death. Also, these individuals can use up vast amounts of health resource inappropriately in both unnecessary investigations and hospital admissions.