Learning Disability Research - Diagnosis

Hi all,

I am doing some learning disability research at the University of East London. I am interested in finding out how to improve the experience of testing and diagnosis for adults who are diagnosed with a learning disability (i.e. diagnosed age 18 or over).

I am looking for people who have had a special type of test during their diagnosis called a cognitive assessment, which is usually done by a psychologist.

The research would involve me having a chat with the person for about half an hour. I would like to know how they found the experience of assessment - what was good/bad about it, and what can we improve. I would also like to hear about the experience of being given the label of a learning disability and how that is experienced for people.

If you are interested or would like to find out more please do get in touch!

My details are:

Genny Martin, Trainee Clinical Psychologist, University of East London

Email: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

Please pass on to anyone you think might like to be involved.

Thanks

Genny

[Sarah_Mencap]

Best of luck with your research. Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Sarah

[Shue Community friend]

Hi, can I ask why you chose 18+? Curious is all. Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Shue]

Hi Shue, thanks for your question.

Most people are diagnosed before the age of 18, so assessment of LD in children is much more common and has been researched about a lot more. Much fewer people are diagnosed as adults, and very little research has been done asking people about their experiences of the process.

I’ve started to interview some participants and people’s responses are mixed, some positive experiences and with some things they would want to change.

If there’s anyone reading who has been diagnosed by a psychologist as an adult who would like to take part in the study please do contact me

Am also happy to answer any questions.

Genny

[Shue Community friend in reply to Hidden]

Thanx for your reply. Good luck and hope we get to see the results when finished. My own daughter starts her dissertation for her psychology degree very soon, trying to find the gap in research has been difficult. I believe she's settled for something like the affects on the carer of caring for an adult with LD and additional needs. I think my own personal journey with my son and his now Schitzophrenia diagnosis opened her eyes to the affects on me. Best wishes.