What Can the Experiences of People With an Intellectual Disability Tell Us About the Desirable Attributes of a Mental Health Professional?
Open accessAbstract
Introduction: Mental health professionals have reported that they have limited knowledge, skills, and confidence in the area of intellectual disability mental health. This article aims to learn from the experiences of people with intellectual disability about the attributes that may assist mainstream mental health professionals to provide them with a quality mental health service. Methods: Six people with intellectual disability participated in an interview or focus group. Thematic analysis was undertaken applying the Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competencies Framework. Results: The findings supported previous research for the need for mental health professionals to be adaptable, able to communicate, and work with a person’s support network. The study reinforced the need for professionals to undertake professional development in the area but also suggested that people with intellectual disability be included as educators and as peer workers. New attributes were identified, including the need for mental health professionals to be able to build rapport and trust through demonstrating their experience and respect for working with people with intellectual disability, and their ability to understand trauma and how it may influence mental health needs. Conclusions: The attributes identified in the study could be used to inform an intellectual disability mental health workforce development framework.
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The use of easy-read information, sign language, non-face-to-face communication, such as via the telephone, not overloading the service user with verbal information, and use of virtual reality have been suggested as preferred methods of communication for this population.
“The use of easy-read information, sign language, non-face-to-face communication, such as via the telephone, not overloading the service user with verbal information, and use of virtual reality have been suggested as preferred methods of communication for this population.26,52”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [26]
Tailored services, which are person-centred, flexible, and family-centred, are highly regarded.
“Tailored services, which are person-centred, flexible, and family-centred, are highly regarded.26,72–77”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [26]
A joined-up approach, in which the sharing of inter-agency information is key, may help alleviate service users' healthcare fears.
“A joined-up approach, in which the sharing of inter-agency information is key, may help alleviate service users’ healthcare fears.26,36”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [26]
People with intellectual disabilities and/or autism value healthcare professionals, their support network, and other professionals who work closely with them and who have specialist knowledge and experience of working with people who have intellectual disabilities.
“People with intellectual disabilities and/or autism value healthcare professionals, their support network, and other professionals who work closely with them and who have specialist knowledge and experience of working with people who have intellectual disabilities.26,67–72”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [26]
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The Users’ and the Families’ Perspectives
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- Authors
- Weise, J., Fisher, K. R., Whittle, E., & Trollor, J. N.
- Affiliations
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Trollor, Julian N
- Venue
- Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2018-05-17
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 183-202
- ISSN
- 1931-5864 (ISSN-L)
- 1931-5872
- OpenAlex
- W2803969590
- Cited by
- 14
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2017: 1
- FWCI
- 1.20
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- hdl.handle.net
- Licence
- cc-by-nc-nd
- Locations
- Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities (publishedVersion)
- UNSWorks (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Funders
- National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1056128)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychiatric care and mental health services
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport
- Keywords
- intellectual disability, mental health professionals, professional qualities, service user perspectives, professional development, peer support workers, trauma, social support networks, workforce development, communication skills, adaptability
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