Audit of the use of communication supports in mental health of intellectual disability (MHID) settings Authors - S.Keane, C. Howorth and P. Dodd- St. Michael's House Intellectual Disability Services

Audit of the use of communication supports in mental health of intellectual disability (MHID) settings

1. Keane, C. Howorth and P. Dodd

St. Michael's House Intellectual Disability Services, Ireland

Introduction: Up to 90% of people with intellectual disabilities have communication difficulties.¹ Communication impairments have been consistently associated with increased challenging behaviour.² The NICE guideline on the prevention, assessment and management of mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities highlights the importance of considering the person's communication needs and level of understanding throughout assessments, treatment and care of mental health problems.³ The aim of this study is to audit the use of communication supports in mental health of intellectual disability (MHID) clinic settings.