Background Despite repeated calls for research on the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy with people with intellectual disabilities there has been little progress in this area. This paper reports a naturalistic study of the effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy provided in routine clinical practice. Method The study was an open trial design with a 3-month follow-up period. Widely available and used psychotherapy outcome measures were adopted, but administered in an assisted completion format at intake, outcome and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Effect sizes were also computed. ResultsThe results show statistically significant reductions in recipients' levels of psychological distress and

This article reports on three experiments in which totally blind children and children with residual vision were asked to estimate directions between landmarks in a large-scale layout of objects. The children experienced the layout either directly, by walking around it, or indirectly by examining a tactile map. The authors found that the use of tactile maps considerably facilitated the performance of the totally blind children. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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This paper reports on a study designed to evaluate whether or not the relationship between body image and spatial skills, generally assumed to be fundamental, does in fact exist Using both the Cratty and Sams (1968) test, and a modification of it, we found no relationship between spatial skills and either overall body image or any of its components.

Improving the quality of life of young blind children can, In many cases, be brought about by relatively straightforward changes, these need not depend upon high technology nor upon a high input of time from teachers or parents This article presents an evaluation of two techniques designed to overcome two major obstacles which may be preventing the young child from achieving his or her potential These obstacles are the tendency of the child to veer off the Intended course and, In some children, the lack of confidence which impedes exploration and travel