Some observations on remote delivery of eye‐movement desensitisation and reprocessing to people with intellectual disabilities

It is increasingly recognised that many people with intellectual disabilities suffer from post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye‐movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) has been proposed as a potentially helpful intervention that is less reliant on verbal skills than other effective treatments for PTSD and therefore could be more effective than verbal interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. The Trauma‐AID project is a randomised clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a bespoke EMDR protocol for adults with intellectual disability and PTSD, which incorporates a prolonged phase of Psycho‐Education and Stabilisation (PES) prior to the trauma confrontation phase of EMDR. The COVID‐19 pandemic struck during the feasibility phase of the Trauma‐AID project, necessitating a second feasibility study to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of remote or hybrid delivery of the PES + EMDR protocol. To this end, we conducted two online surveys of therapists followed by interviews with clients, carers and senior therapists. The surveys were analysed descriptively. Content analysis was used for client and carer interviews, and framework analysis for therapist interviews. All stakeholders reported positive experiences of EMDR;however, some challenges were identified. The majority of clients, carers and therapists interviewed reported that the intervention, whether PES alone or the full PES‐EMDR package, had improved symptoms of PTSD and psychological well‐being, and carers also reported decreases in challenging behaviour. A full account of the data is provided in four Supplementary Digital files. PES‐EMDR therapy appears both feasible and acceptable for clients with intellectual disabilities and therapists, whether delivered face‐to‐face or in a remote or hybrid mode, though remote working appears easier for the PES phase than the EMDR phase of the intervention. [ FROM AUTHOR]

The Experiences of Carers of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities During the First COVID-19 Lockdown Period.

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread international restrictions, severely impacting on health and social care services. For many individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) this meant reduced access to services and support for them and their carers. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways parents of adults with ID coped during the first 2020 lockdown period. Methods: Eight parents of adults with ID were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: powerless and unappreciated; coping under lockdown; support; and the impact of lockdown on well-being. Conclusions: The parents of adults with ID who made up our sample reported that they received little support from services and experienced a sense of powerlessness. Nevertheless, they were open to accepting support from family and friends and showed remarkable resilience. These findings are discussed in the light of the Willner et al. (2020) survey results on parental mental health and coping, and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.

The experiences of mothers of children and young people with intellectual disabilities during the first COVID-19 lockdown period.

BACKGROUND: Recent COVID-19 lockdown restrictions resulted in reduced access to educational, professional and social support systems for children with intellectual disabilities and their carers. AIM: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways mothers of children with intellectual disabilities coped during the first 2020 lockdown period. METHODS: Eight mothers of children with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: carrying the burden; a time of stress; and embracing change and looking to the future. CONCLUSIONS: All mothers experienced increased burden and stress. However, some also described some positive impact of lockdown conditions on them as well as on their child's well-being and behaviour. These findings are discussed in the light of the (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33, 2020, 1523) survey results on parental coping and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.