Issue date:14 April 2005
Approximately one-third of a million young people in the UK have learning disabilities 1. Of those, 40% are likely to develop a mental health problem each year 2. According to the new report Making us Count, young people with learning disabilities are far more inclined to suffer with depression and anxiety, yet these conditions often go unnoticed and untreated.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has found that young people are often starting to develop mental health problems due to a lack of opportunities available for friendships, social activities, education and employment. Those in need of help are encountering difficulties when trying to reach services. Pathways to referral for support are vague, are there are often long delays to assessment and intervention services.
Alison Giraud-Saunders, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, says:
“Young people with learning disabilities are developing mental health problems because of the difficulties they face on a daily basis, like trying to access leisure opportunities, maintain friendships or relationships, and secure college and work placements.Services really do need to change in order to reach this vulnerable group of young people. It is essential that there is a range of approaches and services to respond to their needs.”
Making us Count offers recommendations for practitioners and commissioners to improve the range of services available to young people with learning disabilities who experience mental health problems.
1. Emerson, E., Hatton, C., Felce, D. and Murphy, G. (2001) Learning disabilities: the facts.
London: Mental Health Foundation.
2. Emerson, E. (in press) Use of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire to assess the mental health needs of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability.
ENDS
Return to news releases 2005
Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
