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The article presents the discussion on increasing the understanding of health inequities and approaches in improving health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Topics include describing health and healthcare inequities for children and adults with IDD, arguing the quest in improving healthcare quality; and accessing health care, high rates of unmet health care needs, and dissatisfaction.

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has been a leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities since its founding in 1876. Today, student and early career professionals make up approximately 8.5% of the organization, with their engagement supported by the Student and Early Career Professional Interest Network (SECP). An article by Havercamp et al. (2003), "Who Will Lead the Field Beyond 2020?", recommended organizational changes that have been largely addressed in the years following by SECP. The present research replicates Havercamp et al.'s (2003) original survey of the organization's student and early career professionals, and results support the effectiveness of SECP as a welcoming platform from which students and early career professionals can establish themselves in the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with disabilities have more health complications and higher healthcare utilization related to tobacco use than people without disabilities. Yet, they are less likely to use tobacco cessation resources. Important to meaningful and lasting health behavior change are relationships developed in the home, workplace, and community. Some people with disabilities rely on paid and unpaid caregivers. Just like people with disabilities, paid caregivers are more likely to use tobacco, creating a unique opportunity to target smoking cessation to people with disabilities and their caregivers. Living Independent From Tobacco (LIFT), an evidence-based tobacco cessation intervention, was implemented with dyads of people with disabilities (n = 5) and their caregivers (n = 7). Qualitative analyses revealed that participants valued the dyadic approach and the opportunity to learn coping skills to help with smoking cessation. Lessons for offering inclusive health promotion interventions to people with disabilities and their caregivers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This issue, On Counting What Matters: Finding Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Population Health Data, presents an overview of health surveillance research for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. Although public health now conducts surveillance of people with disabilities broadly defined and compares their health status with that of individuals without disabilities, there are many challenges in conducting health surveillance of people with IDD. Difficulties include how to define cases, how to find cases, and how to obtain accurate information ( Krahn, Fox, Campbell, Ramon, & Jesien, 2010 ). This issue will present critical conceptual and methodological issues, including recent prevalence and population health analyses, along with proposals that can lead to more equitable health and improved health surveillance for people with IDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health and policy planning for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is imperiled by the lack of ongoing national surveillance data on prevalence and health status. In 2018, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities appointed a workgroup of representatives from key federal agencies and national experts to recommend strategies to improve prevalence estimates and health surveillance for people with IDD. This article presents the workgroup findings on the availability of prevalence and health surveillance data for adults with IDD and suggested items that could identify respondents with IDD on national surveys with special attention to modifications in the National Health Interview Survey. We identify core constructs that must be measured to identify sample members with IDD in population surveys, and additional constructs which, if measured, would support more comprehensive identification of sample members and enhance ongoing surveillance of the health status, outcomes, and unmet needs of this population. We conclude with a brief review of methodological considerations to improve IDD national surveillance including cultural and linguistic sensitivity and the inclusion of U.S. territories in national surveillance protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities is the property of American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A speech is presented by Dr. Susan M. Havercamp, president of American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Topics discussed include maintenance of regional connections and leadership roles in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities; promoting health and wellness among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and designing of social and environmental interventions for promoting the same.

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities have poorer health and face unique barriers to health care compared to people without disabilities. These health disparities can be partially attributed to physicians' limited knowledge about caring for patients with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ASD training for medical students. Our training included a lecture and a panel presentation that featured people with ASD and family members. Students reported improved knowledge, skills, confidence, and comfort in caring for patients with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disability (ID) experience high rates of chronic health problems and poor overall health compared to people without disabilities. Recent attention to health risk behaviors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and underuse of health care has led to the development of several programs intended to reduce disparities in this population through health promotion programs. A review of the literature was conducted focusing on programs developed to target behavioral changes in the person with ID. Thirteen studies, evaluating 10 different health promotion programs, were found. Programs varied significantly in design, targeted health change, and demonstrated effectiveness. Components of each program are systematically reviewed and recommendations made for future programs based upon the current evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has documented disparities in health care and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and people in racial and ethnic minority groups. Though both populations are underserved, the additive impact of being both a member of a racial/ethnic minority and having IDD is largely unknown. This study uses data from a nationally representative survey to explore health service utilization among adults with IDD belonging to minority racial/ethnic groups compared to adults with IDD who are White. The results of this study indicated that racial/ethnic minority groups are disadvantaged in several essential areas of health care utilization and that Hispanic Americans are particularly underserved. Additional research is needed to identify and address the factors driving this difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of American Journal on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities is the property of American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on strategies of the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) relating to student involvement and cultivating future leadership in the field of mental retardation. The association offers reduced membership dues and conference rates for students and recognizes leadership potential with a Student Award. AAMR presidents host receptions for students to meet the AAMR leadership at the annual AAMR meetings. AAMR has also established a committee to serve the interests of students and young professionals.

Freeman et al. (1998) asserted that sensitivity theory is circular, unsupported by empirical evidence, and represents an ‘either/or’ decision in regard to applied behavior analysis. We reply by showing that sensitivities are objectively measured and that our theory permits testable predictions. Further, we briefly summarize the results of recent studies that support our theory, including investigations that link sensitivities to genes and challenging behavior. Finally we reject the idea that sensitivity theory and functional analysis represent an ‘either/or’ viewpoint and call again for research to integrate these approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of American Journal on Mental Retardation is the property of American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of American Journal on Mental Retardation is the property of American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The authors reflect on the growth attenuation research results of Gunther and Dickema, and also of Brosco and Feudtner. A perspective is offered regarding the medical community's involvement for these issues regarding quality of life for the disabled. Involuntary institutionalization and sterilization are some historically regrettable medical solutions.