Surprisingly, the comparison yielded few differences in living conditions between women and men with ID compared with those found in women and men of the general population. This finding suggests that people with ID were treated as gender-neutral persons rather than as women and men with individual preferences and needs. Thus, it appears that having ID is a more important determinant than gender regarding living conditions for women and men with ID.

The results indicate a higher frequency of participating in work but only a tendency of increased subjectively experienced life satisfaction. However, to be of optimal usability, CAT requires individually tailored, systematic and structured support by specially trained professionals. Implications for Rehabilitation Adults with ADHD report an overall satisfaction with the cognitive assistive technology, particularly with low-technological products such as weekly schedules and weighted blankets. Using cognitive assistive technology in everyday settings indicate a higher frequency of participating in work, but only a tendency of increased subjectively experienced life satisfaction for adults with ADHD. Prescription of cognitive assistive technology to adults with ADHD in everyday settings requires individually tailored, systematic and structured support by specially trained professionals.

This study describes the living conditions of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) as compared to the general population. People with ID born in Uppsala County between 1959 and 1974 constituted the study population (n = 213). Proxy questionnaire reports and national welfare statistics were used to collect data. The results demonstrated differences in living conditions between the two groups, particularly regarding employment and social life. Whereas people in general had paid employment, most people with ID were provided supported daily activities and their main income source was a disability benefit from the social insurance system. Typically, people with ID lived in a more restricted social environment and had more limited social life than the general population. The social network of people with ID was mainly bulit on family ties (parents and siblings); caregiver-care receiver relations and included few chosen friends (with or without disability). The authors suggest that the way in which help and support is provided by professionals using the special and generic help systems may actually prevent or restrain individuals with ID from influencing their own life course.

Our study clearly demonstrates the magnitude and importance of neurological and psychiatric impairments in ID. The findings suggest a strong need for multidisciplinary health service.

Quality of life (QoL) is seldom described in terms of the essence of what it is. Also, an essential task for the research community is to create space for the voices of people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the present study was to understand the lived meaning and the essence of QoL in adults with this disability. Using a phenomenological approach, 21 informants living in a Swedish county were interviewed. The interviews were audio taped and analyzed with the empirical phenomenological psychological method. The results indicate that the general essence of QoL consists of well-being and five themes: social adult status, control of life, personal safety, social belonging and self-chosen solitude. The results challenge the stereotype of the informants as passive receivers of support from others. The interrelatedness between the five themes of QoL should be further studied.