This study investigated prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation among adults with self-reported disability in Western Canada. The method was secondary data analysis utilising the Canadian Community Health Survey. The odds of 12-month suicidal ideation are 3.5 times greater for adults with self-reported disability compared with non-disabled adults, controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, and psychiatric morbidity. The heightened risk of ideation among adults with self-reported disability is partially explained by social adversity, including food insecurity and low sense of community belonging. Reducing suicide risk among adults with disability requires a broad-spectrum approach, including mental health care, and strategies to ameliorate social and economic hardship.
Accessible Summary Many people with learning disabilities are caught up in the criminal justice system. Yet few studies have explored what this is like for them. The available research suggests that people with learning disabilities often feel alone and afraid when they are caught up in the criminal justice system. They do not understand what is happening to them, and they feel like there is no one they can turn to for support. The findings raise concerns about how people with learning disabilities are treated within the criminal justice system, and whether their rights are being respected. Further research is needed to better understand the experiences and support needs of people with learning disabilities who are caught up in the criminal justice system. Summary The aim of this review is to synthesise findings from research about the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have faced arrest and jail time. After an extensive search of the literature, four relevant articles were found. The first‐person accounts presented in these four studies were pooled, and a thematic analysis was undertaken. Three common themes were identified: (i) study participants did not understand what was happening to them, or why, (ii) they felt alone, and they did not know where to turn, or to whom for support and (iii) they were uncertain about what to say or do. Overall, the findings raise concerns about the treatment of people with learning disabilities in the criminal justice system and their access to procedural justice. Further research is needed to improve understanding of their experiences and support needs. There is unequivocal evidence that persons with learning disabilities are over‐represented in the prison population. To date however, few studies have investigated their first‐hand experience, including their experiences of being interrogated, of standing trial, serving time and transitioning back into the community. The purpose of this review is to draw what insights we can from the limited available data and to identify directions for future research.
The purpose of this study was to pilot a flexible, group-based program designed to strengthen the social connections and enhance the psychological well-being of mothers with intellectual impairment. A multi-site, mixed-method, pretest-posttest design was employed. To obtain rich process and outcome data, the evaluation incorporated measures of psychosocial well-being, goal achievement scaling, and interviews with group facilitators and participants. A total of 18 mothers completed the program. Participation was associated with a meaningful reduction in psychological distress with effect sizes ranging from .57 for depression to .71 for anxiety. Participating in the group program gave the mothers something to look forward to each week, opportunities to learn from and support others, and the feeling of "being a part of society". Further research is needed to determine whether these promising results can be replicated, and to evaluate the long-term impact of the program on mothers and their children.
Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have the same basic needs for intimacy and belonging and the same range of sexual desires and preferences as others (Eastgate, 2005;Neuman & Reiter, 2017). Furthermore, like most persons without ID, many grow up hoping to find a partner and start a family (Bernert, 2011;Siebelink et al., 2006). Marriage, and even more so parenthood, may hold special significance for individuals with ID. As a public affirmation of a person' s sexuality and sexual maturity, parenthood marks a rite of passage into the adult world (Booth & Booth, 1995;May & Simpson, 2003). As such, persons with ID may view parenthood as a path to adult status and the respect it engenders, as well as a repudiation of infantilizing sexual and reproductive oppression. For persons with ID, who may have felt "different" their entire lives, parenthood may be "the great equalizer" (Finucane, 1998, p. 38) or "expression of ordinariness" (Booth & Booth, 1995, p. 33), affording them not only a socially valued role, but also a nonstigmatized identity.Many adults with (mostly) mild ID are experiencing satisfying sexual lives, forming loving and lasting relationships, and bringing up children. Barriers of prejudice and isolation prevent many others with ID from doing so. Community attitudes are slowly changing, but young people and adults with ID are still denied access to sexuality and relationship education, on an equal basis with others;
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