Editorial Perspective: Key issues in children with intellectual disability for practitioners

Abstract

One in seven children with an impairing mental health disorder has intellectual disability (ID). Despite the ubiquity of ID, many clinicians are less confident in the assessment and management of mental disorders in youth with ID. Key to determining how to modify these is a good understanding of the child's developmental/cognitive strengths and weaknesses. There is very limited evidence for mental health interventions specific to children with ID. In this context, NICE guidelines generally recommend the same interventions identified for typically developing children. However, psychological interventions should be adapted for developmental level and communication ability. Medication should be selected carefully taking account of co-existing conditions, drug interactions and the greater sensitivity to adverse effects in this population. Assessment and intervention should always take account of the child's wider context, including education. There is little evidence regarding the best service models in relation to efficacy and efficiency, but the high prevalence of ID amongst youth with mental health problems suggests that all mental health professionals should have competence in working with youth with milder levels of ID.