- Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
- Family and Disability Support Research
- Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units
- Healthcare innovation and challenges
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Disability Rights and Representation
- Family Support in Illness
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Child Abuse and Trauma
- Diabetes Management and Education
- Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare
- Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
- Diabetes Management and Research
- Family Caregiving in Mental Illness
- Frailty in Older Adults
- Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention
- Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Child Development and Digital Technology
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia research
- Tracheal and airway disorders
- Dysphagia Assessment and Management
- Behavioral and Psychological Studies
University of Glasgow
2020-2025
Edinburgh Napier University
2017-2019
University of Edinburgh
2017
University of Ulster
2001
Background Studies on avoidable mortality in adults with intellectual disabilities are limited, as studies causes of death. Objectives We aimed to quantify rates, and causes, identify factors (i.e., age, sex, Scottish Index Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)) related disabilities. Design A record linkage national cohort study. Setting or without co-occurring autism, aged 25+ years a randomly selected comparison group autism identified from Scotland’s Census, 2011. Census records were linked the...
Abstract Background Social skills interventions (SSIs) are effective for enhancing social and decreasing mental health problems in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, these have been designed their effectiveness has established Western countries. Lack of culturally acceptable SSIs Asian nations is a possible barrier to implementing tailored that address the unique requirements ASD individuals across countries cultures. This study aims explore needs preferences ASD,...
Abstract Objective To report the results of first randomized feasibility trial Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM‐5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities. Method A total 29 participants were to either EMDR + ( n = 15) or 14). Participants completed measures on traumatic (PCL‐C) comorbid distress at baseline, 1 week post‐treatment 3‐month follow‐up. Results In group, 9 (60%) 7 (47%)...
Trauma and its sequelae is recognised as a major morbidity factor in people with intellectual disabilities, however, lack of inquiry into how health care professionals address trauma this adult population exists.To explore specialist disability practitioners perspectives on current provision developments to trauma.Twenty-five qualitative interviews were conducted across 6 service areas the UK. Data analysed using thematic content analysis.Seven central themes emerged: (a) unmasked trauma;...
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Globally, diabetes is increasing with concerns about the impact on outcomes, including premature death and costs associated managing condition. Research indicates that adults intellectual disabilities (ID) are two to three times more likely develop diabetes; however, there has been limited focus service utilisation in this population. The aim of study explore perceptions experiences ID practitioners.A series 1:1 semi-structured interviews were undertaken one Scottish health area. In total,...
Abstract Aim To report on the outcomes of a pilot feasibility study structured self‐management diabetes education programme targeting HbA 1c . Methods We conducted two‐arm, individually randomized, superiority trial for adults with intellectual disability and Type 2 mellitus. A total 66 disabilities across UK met eligibility criteria. Of these, 39 agreed to participate were randomly assigned either DESMOND ‐ ID ( n = 19) or control group 20). The consisted seven weekly educational sessions....
Abstract Background Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at greater risk of exposure to traumatic life events compared the non‐ID population. Yet no study date has examined role multiple traumatisation and subsequent psychopathology in people ID. The aim this was explore association between mental health. Methods A preliminary cross‐sectional involving 33 participants DSM‐5 post‐traumatic stress disorder completed self‐report questionnaires on symptoms, anxiety, depression...
Social skills interventions have been shown to improve social in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Because the majority of trialled Western countries, they may not be generalisable Asian countries a different cultural background. The purpose this review was determine efficacy and adaptability for ASD (aged 10–19 years) countries. This incorporated quantitative mixed methods published, peer-reviewed research. Five electronic databases were searched. followed PRISMA guidelines....
Abstract Background Family carers of people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID) experienced a reduction in healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many subsequently turned Non-Governmental Organisations who worked support families. However, little research has sought capture experiences family or identify effective interventions which might them. To address these concerns we explored views sector workers across UK Ireland supported families PMID during We...
• Summary: Children with physical and intellectual disabilities can place extra demands on their family carers. The need for short-break (respite) services is well documented but little research has been undertaken into the features of these that families value. A mix qualitative quantitative methods was used. In first phase, 108 parents in urban rural areas described they liked about had received perceived benefits to them child. Their replies were validated at a consultation seminar over...
Objectives To investigate mortality rates and associated factors, avoidable in children/young people with intellectual disabilities. Design Retrospective cohort; individual record-linked data between Scotland’s 2011 Census 9.5 years of National Records for Scotland death certification data. Setting General community. Participants Children young disabilities living aged 5–24 years, an age-matched comparison group. Main outcome measures Deaths up to 2020: age death, age-standardised ratios...
Abstract Background People with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID) have high intensive support needs that ordinarily place significant strain on family carers. This was further heightened by the removal of many external supports during COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to explore experiences carers people PMID pandemic understand what longer-term impact might be their lives. Methods Focus group interviews (n = 32) were conducted 126) from four countries UK Republic Ireland....
Objective: To provide contemporary data on cancer mortality rates within the context of incidence in population with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Scotland's 2011 Census was used to identify adults disabilities and controls records linked Scottish Cancer Registry death certificate (March 2011-December 2019). The control cohort without and/or autism were for indirect standardisation calculation Crude Incident Rates/Crude Mortality Rates (CIR/CMR), age-sex Standardized Rate Ratios/...
People with intellectual disability want friendships and meaningful relationships, some intimacy. However, the expression of sexuality is an area where potential freedoms are often limited restricted compared to their peers. While relationships education programmes do exist for this population, most focus on knowledge acquisition regarding sex but lack in informed choices decision-making. The aim study was identify good practices methods delivery children young people disability. A...
Abstract Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on the health and mental of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) their caregivers, have been disproportionally affected. purpose this study was to investigate COVID-19 Thai caregivers ASD. Methods This used an online survey closed free text questions how impacted social skills development psychological variables, perceived needs for support. link shared parents via Yuwaprasart Withayopathum...
Abstract Background People with intellectual disabilities remain at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to lifestyle‐associated factors. Educational programmes have been adapted for people targeting ongoing T2D self‐management. However, there are no which aim prevent through reducing The present study initiates addressing this gap. Methods Further education ( FE ) colleges in Scotland were recruited feasibility using the Walking Away WA from Diabetes programme. Process...