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Background: Technology is ubiquitous in all aspects of daily life and research interest in the topic of digital mental health interventions (DMHI) for people with intellectual disabilities is growing. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated technology use in delivering mental health supports. Method: This review used a qualitative systematic literature review methodology with the aim of collating the views and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities accessing DMHI. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS were searched in March 2022. Results: Five studies were selected in this review, and three major narrative themes were generated, each with sub-themes: (1) User experience with DMHI (personal experience, digital experience); (2) Relationships fostered through technology (interpersonal support, relating to virtual characters, computer as skilled helper); (3) Psychological benefits (new skills development, personal autonomy development). Conclusion: This review highlights that, although there is a diversity of views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, the evidence suggests that DMHI has potential to support this population given the right opportunities. Findings also point to the benefit of technology as a complement to therapy, but not necessarily as a replacement to in-person therapeutic encounters.

Background: People with intellectual disabilities face increased levels of psychological distress compared with the general population and broadly present with fewer coping strategies. There is emerging evidence of the positive effectiveness of mindfulness in the treatment of various mental health issues such as depression and anxiety amongst people with intellectual disabilities. A pilot group was run to determine the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group on well-being and self-esteem amongst a nonclinical group of young adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Seven participants with mild intellectual disabilities attended an 8-week MBSR group. Qualitative and quantitative measures were used pre- and post-group: the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation--Learning Disability (CORE-LD) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale--Adapted. A visual stress measure was used to monitor weekly stress levels and to facilitate group discussion. The effectiveness of the mindfulness-based group was evaluated. Findings: A mixed methodology using quantitative and qualitative analysis of group outcomes was used. Participants' feedback was analysed thematically; participants found the group to be beneficial and taught them mindfulness strategies to manage their stress levels. Scores from the CORE-LD showed a significant improvement between pre- and post-group scores on participants' overall well-being. Scores from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale--Adapted showed an improvement between pre- and post-group scores on participants' self-esteem, but not at a significant level. Conclusion: Mindfulness emerged as a self-care tool that was used independently by some participants. We conclude that mindfulness seems to be a suitable therapeutic option for managing stress in young adults with mild intellectual disabilities. Future research opportunities are evident in relation to adapting mindfulness to suit the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Background: Living with dementia is challenging, but poses unique difficulties for people with an intellectual disability. The process of dementia is also challenging for family, carers and friends. Materials and Methods: This study explores the impact of dementia on direct care staff using a focus group methodology. Thematic analysis was used to investigate the staff narratives. Results: Four key themes that emerged were as follows: (a) the difficulty of recognising symptoms of dementia in people with intellectual disabilities, (b) the process of diagnosis, (c) the challenge of dementia for the person, (d) the emotional impact of dementia for other people. Conclusion: The themes identify a number of important potential targets for supporting staff and peers in this challenging area of work.

Background: Despite the increased risk for people with an intellectual disability developing dementia, post‐diagnostic psychosocial supports such as cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) are not routinely offered and there is limited research examining this intervention with people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of CST for older adults with intellectual disability to support active ageing. Methods: Five client participants attended a 14‐session CST group and four staff attended a focus group. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to investigate the client and staff narratives. Results: Three key themes were generated: (1) Brain Health, (2) Connecting with others, and (3) Barriers and Enablers. Conclusion: Findings indicated the suitability of CST as a way of supporting active ageing for older adults with intellectual disability. This study adds to the growing knowledge about service provision for older adults and their changing needs as they age and identifies clinical implications such as staff training to support intervention adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Care staff are an important source of information and support for people with intellectual disabilities following bereavement. The purpose of this study was to explore staff perceptions of service users' conceptualizations of death, reactions to bereavement, required levels of support and staff confidence in providing post-bereavement support. Method: Forty-two staff rated individuals with intellectual disabilities with whom they worked on a regular basis. Results: In general, staff believed that service users had a good concept of death, though staff tended to overestimate levels of understanding and possibly underestimate the potential for dysfunctional behaviour post-bereavement. Although staff expressed confidence in their ability to recognize grief symptoms, they were less confident in their ability to provide post-bereavement support. Conclusions: The overall picture was positive with good agreement between staff, though ensuring that staff consider the potential for psychopathology following bereavement is important in providing support. The implications for staff training and post-bereavement support are considered.