A systematic review of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with people with intellectual disabilities: an unsafe gap in the literature

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review the available evidence that explores adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in people with intellectual disabilities (PwID). It is important to systematically review this literature as, to date, there is little known about the number of studies in this area, despite the World Health Organization declaring ACE prevention and support as a global public health priority.

Design/methodology/approach

Published studies were identified from electronic database searches. Key journals and reference lists were also hand searched.

Findings

Two studies met the inclusion criteria and the prevalence and frequency of ACEs experienced by participants of these studies analysed. Overall, due to the small number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria, it is difficult to establish any meaningful conclusions.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first systematic review to try and identify a research base looking at the prevalence of ACEs within a PwID population. Findings suggest that this is a highly neglected area of research, and the authors hope to have identified that further evidence is required to draw clearer conclusions about the impact of ACEs on PwID.

Citation

Crompton, C., Duncan, B. and Simpson-Adkins, G. (2021), "A systematic review of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with people with intellectual disabilities: an unsafe gap in the literature", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 158-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-10-2020-0024