New journal edition released

We are pleased to release the latest edition of the Journal of Mental Health for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability. This edition includes:

• A literature review of ADHD in Intellectual Disability and Autism by Dr David Dossetor
• The Feelings Program: Preliminary results of an in-school emotional developmental program for adolescents by Anita Gardner and Ellen McBriarty
• The Medicine Cabinet: Weight gain and anti-psychotics by Judy Longworth
• Behaviour Tip Sheets for parents and carers of young people with an intellectual and/or developmental disability
• Overview of the Developing Brain Clinical Research Colloquium by Arrielle Hope
• Review of a one day seminar on Self-harm, Suicide and Safety Planning in Autism

We hope you enjoy reading and we welcome your feedback! If you have an idea to submit for the next edition, please contact us.

trial of cannabidiol to treat severe behavioural problems in children and adolescents with intellectual disability

A randomised placebo-controlled trial of cannabidiol to treat severe behavioural problems in children and adolescents with intellectual disability. 

Kids Research is looking for children 6 to 18 years to take part in a clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) for reducing severe behaviour problems in children and adolescents with Intellectual Disability (ID).

Severe behaviour problems, like aggression and self-injurious behaviours, can have a major impact on families. Current drugs used to treat behaviour problems are not always helpful and can cause side-effects.

This study is testing a type of medical cannabis called cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for severe behavioural problems in children with ID. CBD is a legal cannabis extract and does not cause a “high”, which can happen with the other main chemical in cannabis, THC. CBD may be helpful in improving behaviour and may also have fewer side effects than existing medications.

Eligible children will be randomised to receive either oral CBD oil (10mg/kg/day) or placebo over 10 weeks.

The trial involves 2 clinic visits and 2 blood tests, and 5 telehealth appointments, over a total period of 14 weeks (including screening, up-titration, down-titration, and 4-week follow-up period). Reimbursement will be provided for travel and parking.

This study has been approved by SCHN Governance STE00703.

To find out more, contact:

Julie Ha

Email: Julie.Ha1@health.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 0429268770

Open the poster here

Free Webinar on Self-Injurous Behaviour and Autism

Behaviour Tip Sheets

Our new Behaviour Tip Sheets are ready and in pilot mode. 

SCHN School-Link have partnered with SAL Consulting to provide accessible and up to date information on mental health topics for carers (staff and parents) of children and adolescents with an intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

The tip sheet topics include anxiety, managing aggression, navigating adolescence, sensory processing difficulties, and self-injurious behaviour. Each topic, within the context of intellectual disability and/or autism, outlines what the behaviour of concern is, possible treatments, where to go for help, and links to more information and resources. 

The development of each tip sheet was made in collaboration with feedback from carers, school and health professionals, and other stakeholders. 

To make the sheets accessible, each topic is available in a long version (3 pages), a short version (2 pages), and will be translated into three languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese. 

Each tip sheet is currently in pilot mode. We welcome feedback from carers, health and school professionals, and people with a lived experience. We will collate feedback over 6 months to make sure we have accurate and helpful information. Please share widely. 

Available Tip Sheets

Anxiety

Aggression

Navigating Adolescence

Self-Injury

Sensory Processing

New Journal Edition Released

Welcome to another edition of the Journal of Mental Health for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Resource. 

We hope you enjoy reading this edition.

This edition includes; 

• The clinical assessment of development and the implications for understanding social and communication disorders and associated challenges of adjustment: A tribute to Lorna Wing (1928-2014) by Dr David Dossetor
• NDIS and Positive Behaviour Support by Tanya Shenoy
• Reading and Resources
• Sensory Intervention in Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities by Ellen McBriarty
• The Medicine Cabinet: Stopping Medications by Judy Longworth
• Notes from the conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Behavioural Phenotypes by Dr Peter Wurth.