American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Supports Intensity Scale is effective for identifying needs in people with intellectual disability

The Supports Intensity Scale is a planning tool that assesses individual needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 85 life areas. A new study found SIS to be effective in predicting funding needs, providing a unique opportunity for services and funding decisions to be based on person-centered goals.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 26, 2009

70 years old and going strong with Down syndrome and no dementia

A 70-year-old man with Down syndrome has aged successfully despite having the condition, challenging previous assumptions about Alzheimer's disease and increasing hopes for longer, healthier lives. Comprehensive analyses reveal potential explanations for 'Mr. C''s' remarkable case, including gene expression and an atypical genotype.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateSep 9, 2008

Epidemiologic study links low maternal education to intellectual disabilities in offspring

Researchers found that low maternal education is a key indicator for increased risk of mental retardation in the general population. The study also showed that extremely low birth weight infants and women with an education below the high school level are at higher risk of intellectual disability.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalAmerican Journal on Mental Retardation·DateMar 6, 2008