The SIB can successfully be used with adults with Down syndrome to assess cognitive functioning over a wide range of ability and may be useful, if used longitudinally, in assessing for deterioration in cognitive functioning associated with dementia. Methodological limitations are discussed.

Summary The evidence base for interventions for people with learning disabilities who have experienced a bereavement is sparse. This article reviews current theoretical understandings of bereavement and loss and describes the assessment, formulation and psychological treatment of a woman with learning disabilities with close reference to these understandings. A psychological intervention is described, which utilizes both psycho‐educational and psychodynamic approaches.

The results showed that the dementia group displayed more frequent and severe forms of challenging behaviour than the nondementia group. The difference in reported levels of challenging behaviour of both groups with the general learning disabilities population was not considered to be clinically significant and levels fell predominantly within the 'normal range'. The findings of this study suggest that frequent and severe forms of challenging behaviour in adults with Down's syndrome is more likely to be a behavioural symptom associated with the onset of a dementing illness and not due to normal ageing alone.

A multidisciplinary NHS Trust community support team for adults with an intellectual disability was evaluated in terms of carer, referrer and client satisfaction. High levels of satisfaction were reported by all three groups. Areas of possible improvement suggested by carers and referrers included the provision of more information regarding the team's role and more written information to carers and referrers for referred cases. Clients wanted team members to improve their time management skills and to be more involved themselves in discussions and decisions regarding the intervention they received from the team. Possible modifications of the measures are discussed along with suggestions for future research.

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