[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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In recent years, the average life expectancy of individuals with intellectual disabilities has rapidly increased. Hence, welfare services for individuals with disabilities are confronted with users’ changing needs owing to aging and the various problems caused by dementia. To provide appropriate support and measures, the actual status of dementia among individuals with intellectual disabilities must be clarified. Since 2017, Okayama University and Asahigawaso Medical Welfare Center have conducted a comprehensive study on dementia in the population. First, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 493 individuals with intel- lectual disabilities using welfare facilities in Okayama Prefecture. The prevalence of dementia was investigated by three physicians using the diagnostic criteria of the DSM─5, ICD─10 and DC─LD. Second, we assessed the validity of the Japanese version of Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilitie(s DSQIID), developed in the United Kingdom. Our report in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research covered important symptoms that caregivers should pay special attention to when they suspect dementia in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Since 2019, we have expanded the scope of our study to include the entire country, and have surveyed over 1900 facility residents with intellectual disabilities.

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Recently, there has been an increased de- mand for early support for children with special needs. In this study, we conducted a parent training program with participants whose children were about to start elemen- tary school, to examine program effective- ness in aiding a smooth transition to school. The participants were 17 parents of five─ year ─old children who were scheduled to enroll in regular classes, who were either receiving individualized care, or were plan- ning to use special support services in re- source rooms. After four lectures and discus- sions on how to manage children in- dividually, the results indicated a signifi- cant reduction in inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and behavioral problems in the target children; however, the behavioral problems remained within the standard range. It is possible that, as a result, the parents’ stress of nurturing reduced, yet a careful examination is necessary. There was no significant change noted in the partici- pants’ quality of life. The interview results revealed that from the parents’ standpoint, the short learning time of the program was effective, and that it could be implemented at home. In the future, it is necessary to gain a third─person’s viewpoint, examine evaluation scales, evaluate the social validi- ty of the program, observe participant chil- dren’s behavior, follow up with participants and verify the effectiveness of the program, and compare the results of this study with programs conducted in settings other than elementary schools.

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Recently, the implementation of parent training programs for parents of children with developmental disabilities in community institutions, such as developmental consultation centers and health centers, has been increasing. It is necessary to implement a shortened version of parent training sessions, and to conduct an analysis of attendance and dropout rates during the dissemination of the training. Therefore, this study developed and implemented a shortened version, consisting of seven parent training sessions at a community institution, and analyzed its effectiveness and impact on attendance. The participants included 30 mothers of elementary school children. Twenty parents had an attendance rate of 70% or higher and showed improvements in coping skills, depression, and nurturing stress; while the participant children showed improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity and family-related quality of life. The results indicated a similar impact as that of the standard version of the training program. In addition, information about future jobs may have led to a decrease in pessimism among parents. From the analysis of the initial comment, correlation between the attendance rate and mindsets of the parents is indicated; individual consultations may be appropriate for parents with low attendance rates. In the future, it is necessary to check the progress of individual consultations for parents with low attendance rates and to follow up after the parent training programs to compare the results from before and after program implementation.

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[in Japanese]

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