Learning Disability Diagnosis in Adulthood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What’s it like to find out you have a Learning Disability when you’re an adult?
IRAS ID
243043
Contact name
Charlotte Hinsby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 6 days
Research summary
Research exploring the experience of being diagnosed with a range of physical health, mental health and developmental conditions has highlighted themes of adjustment, awareness of difference and uncertainty together with effects on self-identity and self-esteem. However, when individuals are diagnosed later than typically expected, this appears to present as a unique experience. The majority of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (also known as Learning Disabilities)receive a diagnosis during childhood; however some individuals are not diagnosed until they are an adult which has not been explicitly studied in the literature. This study aims to explore the meaning and experience of 8 individuals diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability in adulthood (18+), through semi-structure interviews. Recruitment will take place through Humber NHS Foundation Trust Learning Disability services and Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Learning Disability services. Recruitment will also take place through posters distributed at local day centres, residential care/supported living and other local authority/social care venues. Individuals that meet the inclusion criteria will then be asked to consent to take part in a semi-structured interview lasting for approximately one hour, based at NHS premises, university premises or other learning disability services such as day centres. The research aims to gain an understanding of the meaning of the diagnosis to individuals, understand how the diagnosis process is experienced and explore any impact on self-identity.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0254
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion