Characteristics of older adults with intellectual disabilities referred for crisis intervention

The aim of the present study was to identify the age correlates of behavioural crises in adults with intellectual disability (ID) living in the community. The cohort consisted of 185 clients (IQ < 70), ranging in age from 20 to > 70 years, who were referred to a crisis intervention programme specializing in services to individuals with dual diagnosis over a 7-year period. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of historical and contemporaneous variables was completed. Referrals for crisis intervention were not related to the age of the client. Aggression and non-compliant behaviour occurred with similar frequency in all age groups. Other behaviours, including withdrawal, self-injury, stereotypy and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, occurred less often in older clients. Severity of ID affected the pattern of behavioural crises that resulted in referral. The results suggest that people with ID residing in community settings still experience behavioural crises as they grow older. Confirmation of the trends reported in the present study might signal a need for accelerating the development of comprehensive age-span community mental health and behavioural supports.