Impact of exposure to potentially traumatic events on individuals with intellectual disability.

This study explored the prevalence of posttraumatic symptomatology (PTS) and functional problems among Israeli individuals with intellectual disability (ID) who live in supported residential care settings and who have been exposed to political violence. The sample included 196 residents exposed to chronic missile attacks and 91 residents with ID who were not exposed. Results showed PTS and functional problems to be higher in the exposed group compared to the nonexposed one, although still low compared to the general exposed population. Exposure was found to be related to PTS and functioning problems suggested individuals with ID are reactive to political violence, though the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Implications for research, caretakers, and policy are discussed.