Background: Previous research indicated a high prevalence of disordered sleep among adults with learning disabilities, however issues with design impacted findings. The current systematic review aims to: (1) present how disordered sleep and sleep disorders amongst adults with learning disabilities are described in the literature, and (2) report on…

Objective: This study explored how psychologists in Australia assess and diagnose adults with dyslexia. Psychologists' understandings about dyslexia were recorded alongside the tools used for diagnosing adults with dyslexia (and how these differ from practices with young people). Training experiences and influential factors on diagnostic…

Background: There is little research that specifically relates to fathers of adults with a learning disability despite the social expectation that fathers will provide a supportive role over the lifespan. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven fathers of adults with a learning disability to explore their roles, needs and…

Previously researchers have noted a high level of occurrence of the IQ profile associated with nonverbal learning disability (NLD) in Asperger syndrome (ASP) but not in high functioning autism (HFA). We examined the IQ profile scores of a large sample of children (n=69) and adults (n=77) with HFA, stringently diagnosed according to ADOS, ADI-R,…

Objective: ADHD and learning disabilities (LD) frequently coexist and there are indications that comorbidity may increase the risk of psychopathology. Method: The current study examined the gender distribution and frequency of comorbidity and its impact on the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression in a clinic sample of 80…

This retrospective study examined scores for 111 adult participants on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, the Wide Range Achievement Test-III and the Nelson-Denny Reading Test. All participants were referred to a university clinic for learning problems. The participants were diagnosed with a learning disability, an…

An audit was carried out to gain an overview of the profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) population in a local health trust to inform current and future service provision. An overview of the issues faced in developing clear defining criteria is presented. Published definitions of PMLD were used to identify clients from data held on…

Introduction: The present study reports cross-cultural comparisons of body mass index (BMI) and growth in Prader-Willi syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with obesity, growth restriction and mild learning disability. Our objectives were to: (1) compare rates of obesity in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in France, with data…

This paper describes the findings of a survey into prescribing of psychotropic medication with adults with learning disabilities in a British city. A self-completion questionnaire was sent to staff in dispersed housing and community learning disability teams to gather information about the number of people prescribed psychoactive medication, the…

Assessment and treatment of adults with learning disabilities who commit sexual offences presents a number of challenges. Much of the professional forensic and psychiatric literature on work with this group concentrates on the development of interventions based on theoretical models of sexual offending originating from the mainstream criminal…

Describes the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised and discusses its use in diagnosing learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and adults. It addresses ethical and legal issues, the schism of standardized testing vs. modifications, assessment alternatives, and practitioner guidelines. (DB)

Explores the diagnostic criteria of developmental coordination disorder, a condition that is characterized by motor awkwardness and has a strong association with psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities. Delineates the nature of developmental coordination disorder and discusses its treatment through occupational therapy and cognitive…

The resource guide begins with a brief checklist of behaviors which adults with learning disabilities may exhibit and goes on to public suggestions for assessing the problem and locating a diagnostician. It then briefly describes 17 books, pamphlets, articles, and newsletters as well as 14 organizations. Seven sources of information on…

This guide contains a selection of national resources to assist adults who suspect they may have a learning disability. The guide begins with information on assessing learning disabilities, recommendations for locating a qualified professional to conduct assessments appropriate for adults, and a list of questions to ask qualified professionals. A…

This paper reviews the assessment and diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. To provide baseline information, consideration is given to outcome studies for adults who were first diagnosed with ADHD as children. Studies of clinical assessment methods are addressed, and previous diagnostic criteria are compared to…