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Background: There has been substantial increase in the number of people with mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning referred to long-term care. Insight into the specific characteristics and needs of these people is essential to provide appropriate support and gain insight into the increase in referrals. Method: This retrospective descriptive study was based on a structured case analysis of a sample of 250 participants. Results: Mental health problems and exposure to social and familial disadvantages were common. Care provided before referral tended to be suboptimal. Individuals with borderline intellectual functioning had more personal and contextual problems than people with MID. Conclusion: People with MID or borderline intellectual functioning are confronted with a wide range of complex problems; even after years of professional support they may still need intensive support. Differences in the characteristics and contexts between individuals with MID or borderline intellectual functioning require further exploration. more...

This qualitative study explored how adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder experience their sexuality. Previous research has demonstrated that sexuality is a developmental task for boys with autism spectrum disorder, as it is for their peers. Case studies have suggested a relation between autism spectrum disorder and atypical sexual development; empirical studies on this subject, however, are scant and inconsistent. This study is based on interviews with eight boys, aged 16-20 years, with Asperger's disorder or autistic disorder. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three major themes relating to (a) how they experience sexual feelings, think about sexuality and think about themselves as sexual beings; (b) how they perceive messages relating to sexuality in their surroundings; and (c) how they experience finding and having a partner and partnered sex. We believe that attention to these themes is needed in assessment, education and further research. more...