Intellectual disabilities
About our information
We publish information to help people understand more about mental health and mental illness, and the kind of care they are entitled to.
Our information isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We encourage you to speak to a medical professional if you need more information or support. Please read our disclaimer.
Many people understand pictures better than words. Books Beyond Words tell powerful stories just in pictures to help people with learning disabilities cope with some of life's biggest challenges. At the back of each book, there is a written storyline, with guidelines and a range of resources for supporters and professionals.
The titles cover:
- health and wellbeing
- physical health
- mental health and trauma
- health screenings
- lifestyle
- using services
- the criminal justice system
Further details of all the titles or a catalogue. Tel: + 44 (020) 7492 2559 or email: admin@booksbeyondwords.co.uk
Here you can find links to Easy Read versions of some of the College's information resources for patients and carers. Our Easy Reads are aimed at people with intellectual disabilities, and people who have challenges reading information for other reasons.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults (PDF)
- Catatonia (PDF)
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (PDF)
Leicestershire Partnership Easy Reads
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of the Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability and the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust have produced a series of accessible information for people with mental health problems and intellectual disabilities. All these materials have been written and tested with people with intellectual disabilities and their carers.
These leaflets can be easily printed off from this page. The help and support section at the end of each leaflet can be completed by the person being given this information, to include contact details of their GP, Psychiatrist, Community Nurse or any other professional involved in their care.
- Anxiety disorder (PDF)
- Autism spectrum disorder (PDF)
- Bipolar disorder (PDF)
- Challenging behaviour (PDF)
- Dementia (PDF)
- Depression (PDF)
- Epilepsy (PDF)
- Psychosis (PDF)
- Learning disability services: what is it and who can help? (PDF)
- Using Medication to Manage Behavioural Problems in Adults with Learning Disabilities - Includes leaflet for people
with learning disability
- Mental Capacity and the Law
Children and young people
- Physical activity, exercise and mental health
- The child with general learning disability: what parents and teachers need to know
- Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for parents
Further information
Information for the public
- Books Beyond Words - Series of picture books for use by people with learning disabilities to make communication easier and allow for discussion.
Information for professionals
- College Report on Mental health services for adults with mild intellectual disability - CR226
- Seminars in the Psychiatry of Intellectual Disabilities - Third edition
See also
Credits
We are grateful to:
- Dr Sab Bhaumik (former chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Learning Disability)
- Louise Talbott and Jane Parr (speech and language therapists)
- Dr Shweta Gangavati, Dr Abdul Shaikh, Dr Avinash Hiremath, Dr Satheesh Gangadhara, Dr Paul Winterbottom and Dr Ray Jacques
- Members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' user and carer group.
Published: Nov 2015
Review due: Nov 2018
© Royal College of Psychiatrists
