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People with intellectual disabilities can have various healthcare needs across their lifespan, which may be closely linked to genetic, biological and/or psychosocial factors. As a result, they may require medicines – some of which may be administered intramuscularly – for various clinical reasons, including as part of the treatment of a range of comorbid physical and mental health conditions. Additionally, this population may not fully understand why certain medicines are administered via the intramuscular (IM) route, nor the potential risks that are involved. Some people with intellectual disabilities may find it distressing to receive medicines via this route, and they may depend on others when making decisions in relation to IM injections. Therefore, it is important for nurses to establish a rapport with patients with intellectual disabilities and gain their consent for the procedure. Nurses also require knowledge of the preparation and administration of IM injections to ensure positive health outcomes.This article aims to enhance intellectual disability nurses’ knowledge of this procedure, and to explain how they can mitigate the potential physical and psychological effects that IM injections may have for people with intellectual disabilities.

The presentation of challenging behaviour by people with learning disabilities can be persistent and can have a huge effecton the individuals concerned and their carers. Applied behavioural analysis has offered much promise in this area, but concerns regarding the use of aversive procedures, such as punishment, along with recognition of the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities, has led to the development of positive behaviour support (PBS). This article argues that, as an emergingconcept, PBS is particularly vulnerable to corruption. To guardagainst this, PBS should always be based on data-based functional assessment and use empirically tested intervention strategies.