Daniel R Keyser1, Sally G Mathiesen. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. dkeyser01@rchsd.org
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the experiences of adults with learning disabilities in the mental health system. METHODS: Thirty-seven participants were clients at one of two community-based mental health agencies. Participants completed a standardized tool for assessment of a possible learning difficulty. Nineteen individuals met criteria, and nine participated in semistructured interviews. RESULTS: The quantitative results indicated that participants were challenged by limited education, long-term mental illness, and homelessness. Qualitative themes concerned challenges in the areas of job skills, education, comprehension of paperwork, housing, social skills, comprehension of agency literature, low self-esteem, and accessing services. CONCLUSIONS: The findings may help inform social service providers about the service gap between the education and mental health systems. People with co-occurring disorders and learning disabilities represent a segment of the treatment population that may experience limited access to social services without modifications to service delivery.
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the experiences of adults with learning disabilities in the mental health system. METHODS: Thirty-seven participants were clients at one of two community-based mental health agencies. Participants completed a standardized tool for assessment of a possible learning difficulty. Nineteen individuals met criteria, and nine participated in semistructured interviews. RESULTS: The quantitative results indicated that participants were challenged by limited education, long-term mental illness, and homelessness. Qualitative themes concerned challenges in the areas of job skills, education, comprehension of paperwork, housing, social skills, comprehension of agency literature, low self-esteem, and accessing services. CONCLUSIONS: The findings may help inform social service providers about the service gap between the education and mental health systems. People with co-occurring disorders and learning disabilities represent a segment of the treatment population that may experience limited access to social services without modifications to service delivery.