Category: Learning Disabilities

Evaluation of the National HOPES Programme to end long term segregation

A new evaluation by Manchester Metropolitan University looks at the National HOPES Programme, which aims to bring an end to long term segregation in inpatient settings for autistic people, people with a learning disability, and children and young people.

Long term segregation is a highly restrictive practice that can have a profound impact on wellbeing. The HOPES Programme offers a rights based and trauma informed approach focused on reducing restrictive environments, supporting recovery, and improving experiences for individuals, families, and staff.

This is the first national evaluation of the programme and provides valuable insight into its impact and future development.

Read the full report: e-space

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • Reducing incidents of violence and aggression and self-harm on a secure mental health inpatient ward for women with learning disabilities
  • Identifying challenges in meeting the unmet health care needs of children with intellectual disabilities: a scoping review
  • Unseen and Invisible? Issues of Recognition for Parents With Intellectual Disabilities Accessing Social Work and Social Care Services for Adults in England
  • The dynamic trajectory of autistic life and its changing challenges: a scoping review
  • Share for Better Care: What we learnt
  • Upcoming webinar – Book Clubs: An Innovative and Powerful Approach to Conversations

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

LD_12Aug25Download

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • An Ongoing Process: The Implementation of an Intervention for People With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Over Time
  • Sleep problems and sensory features in children with low-average cognitive abilities and autism spectrum disorder
  • Bereaved families demand answers on LeDeR report delay
  • Updated guidance on dementia and learning disabilities
  • Neurodivergent adolescents experience twice the emotional burden at school compared to their neurotypical peers
  • Study now recruiting: Improving Care Education and Treatment Reviews for people who are autistic or have learning disabilities

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

LD_30Jul25Download

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities & Autism bulletin is ready for you to view at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/learning-disability-autism/2025/07/16-july-2025/


In this edition:

  • Developing and testing of an assessment tool for appropriate psychotropic drug prescribing in people with intellectual disabilities
  • Understanding the child and adolescent eating disorder treatment experiences of autistic people and parents
  • The Phenomenon of Pain in Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Systematic Review
  • “There is just too much going on there”: Nonverbal communication experiences of autistic adults
  • 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future (easy read)
  • Understanding Brief Guides: Clear, accessible information for adults and carers
  • Plus much more

Please let me know if you think there are other people who would benefit from receiving this and I will add them to the mailing list.

Thank you

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities & Autism bulletin is ready for you to view at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/learning-disability-autism/2025/07/1-july-2025-2/


In this edition:

  • Living Through the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Experiences of People With Profound and Multiple Intellectual Disabilities Through a Family Carer Lens
  • Re-imagining connection: the role of late autism diagnosis in eating disorder recovery and social support
  • Oliver McGowan code of practice
  • Webinar recording – Love and relationships for people with learning disabilities
  • Community feedback leads to better care for people with learning disabilities
  • ‘I love my fans, but also dread meeting them’ – life as an autistic elite footballer
  • Plus much more

Please let me know if you think there are other people who would benefit from receiving this and I will add them to the mailing list.

Thank you

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities & Autism bulletin is ready for you to view at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/learning-disability-autism/2025/06/18-june-2025/


In this edition:

  • Exploring good mental health for people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative interview study with mental health experts
  • Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Among Self-Medicating Autistic Adults
  • Autism, Diagnostics, and Dementia: A Consensus Report From the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia
  • Do you see me? Improving health for people with learning disabilities
  • Ofsted criticised over training manual linking autistic children to extremism
  • Championing parental support for people with learning disabilities
  • Plus much more

Please let me know if you think there are other people who would benefit from receiving this and I will add them to the mailing list.

Thank you

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities & Autism bulletin is ready for you to view at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/learning-disability-autism/2025/06/4-june-2025-2/


In this edition:

  • The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and resting‐state functional connectivity in adults with Down syndrome
  • The influence of indoor temperature and noise on autistic individuals
  • Atypical antipsychotics for autism spectrum disorder: a network meta‐analysis
  • Cast no shadow: how common are psychiatric conditions among people with intellectual disability?
  • Get me to hospital: When and how to use the Mental Capacity Act to convey a person to hospital for physical health treatment
  • New report on commercial sexual exploitation of women with learning disabilities
  • Plus much more

Please let me know if you think there are other people who would benefit from receiving this and I will add them to the mailing list.

Thank you

Learning Disability Week 2024

Learning Disability Week 2024 is a time to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities. This year’s theme, “Do you see me?” is about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face.

This week offers an opportunity to break down barriers, share stories of resilience, and promote understanding. By raising awareness, promoting inclusive education and workplaces, and supporting advocacy, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and included.

Let’s use Learning Disability Week 2024 to foster positive change and greater understanding. Together, we can make a difference.

Learning Disability Week 2024 | Mencap

Mental Health

Current Awareness Bulletins

With thanks to our colleagues at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trusts, new current awareness bulletins are avaialble to view and download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for additional support: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk

Suicide Prevention and Self Harm

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Dementia

Dementia-April-24Download

Depression and Anxiety

April-24Download

Learning Disabilities and Autism

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Learning Disabilities

Current Awareness Bulletin

With thanks to our colleagues at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation trust the latest CAMHS and Learning Disabilites bulletin is now available to view and download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

You can also download LibKey Nomad directly to your browser to make articles easily accessible: Download LibKey Nomad – Third Iron

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