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Indicators for Intellectual Disability Where No Formal Diagnosis Exists but Nursing Knowledge Demonstrates Grounds for a Formal Assessment: A Scoping Review

Conway, Martina orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-9410-5775, Doody, Owen, Cithambaram, Kumaresan, Ryan, Judy, Ryan, Ruth and Corby, Deirdre orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-2512-1920 (2025) Indicators for Intellectual Disability Where No Formal Diagnosis Exists but Nursing Knowledge Demonstrates Grounds for a Formal Assessment: A Scoping Review. Healthcare, 13 . p. 1489. ISSN 2227-9032

Abstract
Globally, 1–3% of the population has an intellectual disability, but some remain undiagnosed, resulting in limited access to essential health and social care services, poor health outcomes, and higher risks of homelessness, substance abuse, and imprisonment. A formal diagnosis enables early intervention and support. A scoping review was conducted to explore research on undiagnosed intellectual disability, screening processes, and identifying indicators. Method: The scoping review search was conducted using academic databases such as CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and PubMed, along with eight grey literature sources. In addition, the reference lists of the included studies were explored. Information specialists supported and guided the search process. The search included qualitative, quantitative, review, and mixed-method research studies published in English between 2000 and 2024. Two reviewers screened papers for eligibility by title, abstract, and full text. Result: A total of 11,475 papers were screened, with 57 papers from various countries included in the review. Indicators of intellectual disability were identified in three settings: (1) educational settings (preschool, primary, and secondary schools); (2) social care services, including homeless and community services; and (3) criminal services, such as courts, probation, and prisons, highlighting the wide applicability of findings. These indicators were linked to “experiences”, “behaviours”, “challenges”, and “observations”. Conclusion: This review emphasised the importance of early diagnosis by adopting appropriate assessment tools, which require national screening policies. It also highlighted the essential role of professionals working in intellectual disability services in identifying and supporting undiagnosed individuals, particularly within high-risk populations. Implication: The review’s findings will guide policy, practice, and research recommendations for enhancing the early identification of people with intellectual disabilities.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Undiagnosed; intellectual disability; literature review
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Health
Medical Sciences > Nursing
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Nursing, Psychotherapy & Community Health
Publisher:MDPI AG
Official URL:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/13/1489
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:31559
Deposited On:23 Sep 2025 11:12 by Vidatum Academic . Last Modified 23 Sep 2025 11:12
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