Each year the Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (JIDD) awards two prizes for the best research papers in the previous year: one for International Research, the other for Australasian Research. Papers are selected by the Editor on the basis of topicality, conceptual and methodological thoroughness, and originality.
2023 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Robinson, S., & Idle, J. (2022). Loneliness and how to counter it: People with intellectual disability share their experiences and ideas, Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 48(1), 58-70.
DOI: 10.3109/ 13668250.2022.2112510
Citation: Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly being identified, not just as social issues, but more importantly, as risk factors contributing to poor health. For people with intellectual disability, the importance of understanding their worldview of issues contributing to loneliness, as well as factors that can mitigate it, is a valuable addition to the evidence-base. The paper by Robinson & Idle does so, using an inclusive research design scaffolded by a multidimensional conceptual and operational framework. The paper provides an interesting and very relatable multi-layered narrative of both positive and negative experiences. It also outlines how individual agency and abilities can be stymied by systemic and organisational issues. The project was driven by people with intellectual disability as both advisors and co-researchers, and the article was developed following the Easy Read report, sharing the outcomes with the people most invested in those outcomes.
2023 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Manon J. Smit, Claudia Emck, Mia Scheffers, Jooske T. van Busschbach & Peter J. Beek (2023). The impact of sexual abuse on body experience in adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning, Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 48:3, 324-333.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2022. 2158725
Citation: The impact of sexual abuse is wide ranging and long lasting. Sexual abuse is a sensitive and challenging topic to research in general, and in people with intellectual disability in particular. The paper by Smit and colleagues makes an important contribution. Their approach of comparative sampling and analyses of experience of sexual abuse amongst individuals with mild and borderline intellectual functioning compared to those with who have not experienced sexual abuse provides considerable insights. The authors have skilfully dealt with the topic. They take the reader along in their explanation of issues, approach, findings, and interpretation as well as limitations. It is a study worth replicating across different settings.
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2022 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Tal Araten-Bergman & Christine Bigby (2022). Forming and supporting circles of support for people with intellectual disabilities – a comparative case analysis, Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 47:2, 177-189.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2021.1961049
Citation: Social support is an important concept in improving quality of life of people with disability. However, it remains a somewhat difficult issue in service delivery. Using a case study approach, the paper by Tal Araten-Bergman and Chris Bigby is broad in scope but manages to produce succinct results within a journal article about how circles of support are constituted in different settings. The views of stakeholders – programme staff and disability practitioners to individuals with intellectual disability and their families are included. There is detailed analysis of key issues and sufficient detail of how data were processed for various findings. The authors provide a good summary of what works and what is unlikely to work. The recommendations can lead to small but sustained service-level improvements.
2022 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Lotte C.F. Gosens, Roy Otten, Jannet M. de Jonge, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Joanneke E.L. VanDerNagel, Robert Didden & Evelien A.P. Poelen (2022). Development of a personalised substance use disorder treatment for people with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning: An intervention mapping approach, Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 47:2, 131-140.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2021.1925529
Citation: The empirical evidence increasingly shows that a personalised approach to mental health issues is more likely to be successful. However, how do we use such an approach for a multi-layered, challenging issue such as substance use by people with intellectual disabilities? This paper by Gosens and colleagues, using an Intervention Mapping approach provides a roadmap – from conceptual issues to grounding research in a sound theoretical framework, undertaking an intervention program, and demonstrating its efficacy through evaluation. The paper frames research objectives not as a priori hypotheses but emanating out of needs assessment undertaken within the research project. Even though country-specific issues will be different, the paper allows other researchers to follow the various steps and in the process generate ideas for adapting to their specific settings.
2021 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Jill Wilson, Cheryl Tilse, Ben White & Linda Rosenman (2021). What is “fair and reasonable”? Norms and strategies guiding the distribution of assets by testators who have an adult child with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 46:2, 175-185.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2020.1765997
Citation: The paper focuses on an issue that is important to many amongst us: from almost every parent with an offspring with intellectual disability, their family members; disability advocates; policymakers and researchers. The issues are complex and multi-layered. The authors do an excellent assessment of dealing with these layers in a coherent and humanistic manner. They also offer a glimpse into the legal world and its challenges, for which there are no easy answers. The paper offers an opportunity for many of us in our different capacities to consider not only what is “fair and reasonable”, but also to reflect on how and when such decisions should be made. It shines a light on complex issues that require further research and advocacy.
2021 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Simon van der Weele & Femmianne Bredewold (2021). Shadowing as a qualitative research method for intellectual disability research: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 46:4, 340-350.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2021.1873752
Citation: This paper offers an interesting methodology vis-à-vis disability research to glean qualitative insights on lived experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, including those with moderate to profound disabilities. The authors provide a useful overview and methodological details that can enable others to conduct similar research. The most interesting part is the description of their findings and discussion. The paper highlights important dilemmas faced in undertaking this type of research. The intersection of researchers’ observations versus privacy of respondents and how to set boundaries is noteworthy. It offers an opportunity to reflect on ‘how would I deal with these issues, if I were doing this research’? Despite the challenges, the authors outline a different way of undertaking meaningful qualitative research.
2020 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Richardson, B., Webber, L. S., & Lambrick. F. (2020). Factors associated with long-term use of restrictive interventions. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 45(2), 159-166.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2019.1639895
Citation: Restrictive interventions (RI) continue to be of concern but time-trend data for RI using follow-up of the same population cohort is very limited in Australia. Richardson, Webber and Lambrick, analysed longitudinal data, using person-based RI registry in Victoria – the only state that has such a registry. Their research provides sound empirical evidence of reduction is use of RI over the 10-year follow-up period. This paper is useful as there are multiple residual issues associated with use of RI, including over-reliance on anti-psychotics and limited training/knowledge of mental health practitioners in managing people with cognitive disabilities, through non-pharmacological support interventions. It serves as an important reminder to campaign for development of RI registries in other states to rigorously evaluate the current & long-term use of RI in Australia.
2020 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Banks, C. A., Gooberman-Hill, R. & Wainwright, D. (2020). An ethnography exploring the limits of dedifferentiation in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 45(4), 344-354.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2020.1799161
Citation: This ethnographic study provides an insightful account of how dedifferentiation plays out in relation to employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Ethnographic research for quantitative researchers can be daunting but the authors provide a detailed account of the methodology, which is reproducible. The vignettes are powerful and show how well-intentioned policies and practices meant to empower individuals do not always produce the intended results. The study is small in scope but highlights how and why it is important for us as a research community to better understand individuals’ lived experiences, which can help us to nuance our advocacy for policy-level changes.
2018 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Moore, K., McDonald, P., & Bartlett, J. (2018). Emerging trends affecting future employment opportunities for people with intellectual disability: The case of a large retail organisation. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 43(3), 328-338.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2017.1379250
Citation: Neoliberal governments must have spent billions of dollars and pounds promoting work as the answer to: ‘What makes a meaningful adult life for people with intellectual disabilities?’ Yet, as one of the ASID keynotes reported in 2017, the number of adults with intellectual disabilities in employment is dropping in most countries, to a low of 7% in the UK. This significant study examined the changing patterns of employment at a large, disability-positive organisation. The authors conclude that the future employability of people with intellectual disabilities requires change in the way both organisations and society respond to the rapidly evolving dynamics of work.
2018 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Jansen, S. L. G., van der Putten, A. A. J., Post W.J., & Vlaskamp, C. (2018). How parents and professionals perceive the support provided to persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Journal of Intellectual &
Developmental Disability, 43(4), 441-452.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2017.1287885
Citation: Research on family-centred practices usually focuses on parents of children, so this examination of how both professionals and parents perceive adults with PIMD is significant. It introduces useful measures for research and practice, and provides evidence to underpin practice improvements. The study also describes how professionals could resource parents by suggesting how they might work with support staff, and following up on concerns that parents raise.
2017 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Bigby, C., Bould, E., & Beadle-Brown, J. (2017). Conundrums of supported living: The experiences of people with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 42(4), 309-319.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1253051
Citation: This research identified impediments to realising the advantages of Supported Living arrangements, not least organisational churn. To support residents effectively, staff need new skills.
2017 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Nouwens, P. J. G., Lucas, R., Embregts, P. J. C. M., & van Nieuwenhuizen,C. (2017). In plain sight but still invisible: A structured case analysis of people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning. Journal of
Intellectual and Developmental Disability. 42(1), 36-44.
DOI:10.3109/13668250.2016.1178220
Citation: This research examined a significant increase in the demand for support coming from people with mild and borderline intellectual disabilities. It invites international reflection on how societies should meet the extensive needs of these two distinct groups.
2016 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to, Collings, S., Dew, D., & Dowse, L. (2016). Support planning with people with intellectual disability and complex support needs in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 41(3), 272-276.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1151864
Citation: This paper shows that brevity is no barrier to excellence. It succinctly elaborates ‘complex support needs’; shows how eligibility based on severity of single needs struggles to take into account the accumulated effect of multiple needs; and states what change is required to address the problem.
2016 International Research Prize
Awarded to, Lombardi, M., Croce, L., Claes, C., Vandevelde, S., & Schalock, R. L. (2016). Factors predicting quality of life for people with intellectual disability: Results from the ANFFAS study in Italy. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 41(4), 338-347.
DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2016.1223281
Citation: The significant findings of this comprehensive study of QOL carry important implications for research and practice.
2015 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Susana Gavidia-Payne, Katherine Meddis & Nicole Mahar for their paper titled “Correlates of child and family outcomes in an Australian community-based early childhood intervention program”
(published in Volume 40, Issue 1, 2015, pp. 57–67)
2015 International Research Prize
Awarded to Thomas L. Layton, Grace Hao, Xiaobing Zou, Ling Li, Zhi Shao, Meiling Yao, Xiu Xu, Xiaoyan Ke, Lijie Wu, Jiaxiu Zhou & Zhimei Jiang for their paper titled “Differentiating low- and high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder, children with intellectual disability, and typically developing children in a Chinese population”
(published in Volume 40, Issue 2, 2015, pp. 137–146)
2014 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Kim L. Trezise, Kylie M. Gray, John Taffe & Dianne M. Sheppard for their paper titled “Working memory in adolescent males with Down syndrome and males with autism and intellectual disability: Implications for the classroom”
(published in Volume 39, Issue 1, 2014, pp. 24–34)
2014 International Research Prize
Awarded to Dana K. Donohue, Juan Bornman & Mats Granlund for their paper titled “Examining the rights of children with intellectual disability in South Africa: Children’s perspectives”
(published in Volume 39, Issue 1, 2014, pp. 55–64)
2013 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Fiona S. May, Louise A. McLean, Angelika Anderson, Alan Hudson, Christine Cameron & Jan Matthews for their paper titled “Father participation with mothers in the Signposts program: An initial investigation”
(published in Volume 38 Issue 1 (March 2013), pp. 39–47)
2013 International Research Prize
Awarded to Rachel Sermier Dessemontet & Gérard Bless for their paper titled “The impact of including children with intellectual disability in general education classrooms on the academic achievement of their low-, average-, and high-achieving peers”
(published in Volume 38 Issue 1 (March 2013), pp. 23–30)
2012 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Christopher M. Doran, Stewart L. Einfeld, Rosamond H. Madden, Michael Otim, Siân K. Horstead, Louise A. Ellis, & Eric Emerson for their paper titled “How much does intellectual disability really cost? First estimates for Australia”
(published in Volume 37 Issue 1 (March 2012), pp. 42–49)
2012 International Research Prize
Awarded to Yueh-Ching Chou & Zxy-Yann Jane Lu for their paper titled “Caring for a daughter with intellectual disabilities in managing menstruation: A mother’s perspective”
(published in Volume 37 Issue 1 (March 2012), pp. 1–10)
2011 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Vivienne C. Riches, Anthony D. Harman, Deb Keen, Donna Pennell, Jane H. Harley, & Michelle Walker for their paper titled “Transforming staff practice through active support“
(published in Volume 36 Issue 3 (September 2011), pp. 156–166)
2011 International Research Prize
Awarded to Meindert Haveman, Jonathan Perry, Luis Salvador-Carulla, Patricia Noonan Walsh, Mike Kerr, Henny Van Schrojenstein Lantman-De Valk, Geert Van Hove, Dasa Moravec Berger, Bernard Azema, Serafino Buono, Alexandra Carmen Cara, Arunas Germanavicius, Christine Linehan, Tuomo Määttä, Jan Tossebro & Germain Weber for their paper titled “Ageing and health status in adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of the European POMONA II study”
(published in Volume 36 Issue 1 (March 2011), pp. 49–60)
2010 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Christine Bigby & Patsie Frawley for their paper titled “Reflections on doing inclusive research in the ‘Making Life Good in the Community’ study”
(published in Volume 35 Issue 2 (June 2010), pp. 53–61)
2010 International Research Prize
Awarded to Eric Emerson, Said Shahtahmasebi, Gillian Lancaster & Damon Berridge for their paper titled “Poverty transitions among families supporting a child with intellectual disability”
(published in Volume 35 Issue 4 (December 2010), pp. 224–234)
2009 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Kate Davis & Susana Gavidia-Payne for their paper titled “The impact of child, family, and professional support characteristics on the quality of life in families of young children with disabilities”
(published in Volume 34 Issue 2 (June 2009), pp. 153–162)
2009 International Research Prize
Awarded to Kathleen M. Fisher, Michael J. Green, Fredrick K. Orkin & Vernon M. Chinchilli for their paper titled “A content analysis from a US statewide survey of memorable healthcare decisions for individuals with intellectual disability”
(published in Volume 34 Issue 3 (September 2009), pp. 258–265)
2008 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Alan Hudson, Christine Cameron & Jan Matthews for their paper titled: “The wide-scale implementation of a support program for parents of children with an intellectual disability and difficult behaviour”
(published in Volume 33 Issue 2 (June 2008), pp.117-126)
2008 JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Alan Hudson, Christine Cameron & Jan Matthews for their paper titled: “The wide-scale implementation of a support program for parents of children with an intellectual disability and difficult behaviour”
(published in Volume 33 Issue 2 (June 2008), pp.117-126)
2007 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Fiona Rillotta and Ted Nettelbeck for their paper titled: “Effects of an awareness program on attitudes of students without an intellectual disability towards persons with an intellectual disability”
(published in Volume 32, Issue 1 (March 2007), pp. 19-27)
2007 JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Yona Lunsky, Jan Frijters, Dorothy M Griffiths, Shelley L Watson & Stephanie Willis for a paper titled: ” Sexual knowledge and attitudes of men with intellectual disability who sexually offend”
(published in Volume 32 Issue 2 (June 2007), pp.74-81)
2006 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Margaret Kyrkou, Michael Harbord, Nicole Kyrkou, Debra Kay, Kingsley Coulthard for a paper titled: “Community use of intranasal midazolam for managing prolonged seizures“
(published in Volume 31, Issue No. 3 (2006), pp. 131-138)
2006 JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Lesley Steptoe, William R Lindsay, Diane Forrest & Mick Power for a paper titled: “Quality of life and relationships in sex offenders with intellectual disability”
(published in Volume 31, Issue No. 1 (2006), pp. 13-19)
2005 Australasian Research Prize
Awarded to Nick Hagiliassis, Hrepsime Gulbenkoglu, Mark Di Marco, Suzanne Young & Alan Hudson for a paper titled: “The Anger Management Project: A group intervention for anger in people with physical and multiple disabilities“
(published in Volume 30, Issue No. 2 (2005), pp. 86-96)
2005 JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Judith Cockram for a paper titled: “Justice or differential treatment? Sentencing of offenders with an intellectual disability”
(published in Volume 30, Issue No. 1 (2005), pp. 3-13)
2004 National Research Prize
Awarded to Deb Keen & Marie Knox for a paper titled: “Approach to challenging behaviour: a family affair“
(published in Volume 29, Issue No. 1 (2004), pp. 52-64)
2004 JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Alexandra Beck, Richard P. Hastings, Dave Daley (School of Psychology,University of Wales Bangor, UK) & Jim Stevenson (School of Psychology, University of Southampton, UK) for a paper titled: “Pro-Social Behaviour and Behaviour Problems Independently Predict Maternal Stress”
(published in Volume 29, Issue No. 4 (2004), pp. 339-350)
2003 National Research Prize
Awarded to Paul Rhodes for a paper titled: “Behavioural and family systems interventions in developmental disability: towards a contemporary and integrative approach“
(published in Volume 28, Issue No. 1 (2003), pp. 51-64)
2003 (Inaugural) JIDD Editor’s Prize
Awarded to Chaya Schwartz for a paper titled: “Self-appraised lifestyle satisfaction of persons with intellectual disability: the impact of personal characteristics and community residential facilities”
(published in Volume 28, Issue No. 3 (2003), pp. 227-240)
2002 National Research Prize
Awarded to Seeta Durvasula, Helen Beange & Wesley Baker for a paper titled: “Mortality of people with intellectual disability in Northern Sydney“
(published in Volume 27, Issue No. 4 (2002) – Special Issue on Ageing, pp. 255-264)
2001 National Research Prize
Awarded to Jane A. McGillivray & Megan R. Moore for a paper titled: “Substance use by offenders with mild intellectual disability“
(published in Volume 26, Issue No. 4 (2001), 297-310)
2000 National Research Prize
Awarded to Keith R. McVilly, Rosanne M. Burton-Smith & John A. Davidson for a paper titled: “Concurrence between subject and proxy ratings of quality of life for people with and without intellectual disabilities“
(published in Volume 25, Issue No. 1 (2000), pp. 19-39)
1999 National Research Prize
Awarded to Roger J. Stancliffe & Trevor R. Parmenter for a paper titled: “The Choice Questionnaire: A scale to assess choices exercised by adults with intellectual disability“
(published in Volume 24, Issue No. 2 (1999), pp. 107-132)
1998 National Research Prize
Awarded to Stephen Houghton, Graham Douglas, John Brigg, Shane Langsford, Lesley Powell, John West, Annaliese Chapman & Rick Kellner for a paper titled: “An empirical evaluation of an interactive multi-sensory environment for children with disability“
(published in Volume 23, Issue No. 4 (1998), pp. 267-278)
1997 National Research Prize
Awarded to Mark Rapley & Laura Hopgood for a paper titled: “Quality of life in a community-based service in rural Australia“
(published in Volume 22, Issue No. 2 (1997), pp. 125-141)
1996 National Research Prize
Awarded to Robert A. Cummins, Christine Baxter, Alan Hudson & Roland Jauernig for a paper titled:“A model system for the evaluation of individual program plans”
(published in Volume 21, Issue No. 1(1996), pp. 59-70
1995 National Research Prize
Awarded to Helen Beange, Louise Gale & L Stewart for a paper titled: “Project renourish: A dietary intervention to improve nutritional status in people with multiple disabilities”
(published in Volume 20, Issue No. 3 (1995), pp. 165-174)
1994 National Research Prize
Awarded to Paul Bramston & Jennifer Bostock for a paper titled: “Measuring perceived stress in people with intellectual disabilities: The development of a new scale“
(published in Volume 19, Issue No. 2 (1994), pp. 149-158)
1992 National Research Prize
Awarded to Chris Bigby for a paper titled: “Access and linkage: Two critical issues for older people with an intellectual disability in utilising day activity and leisure services“
(published in Volume 18, Issue, No. 2 (1992), pp. 95-109) (cited Vol. 19(1) (1994), p. 10)
1991 National Research Prize
Awarded to Bruce Tonge & Stewart Einfeld for a paper titled: “Intellectual disability and psychopathology in Australian children”
(published in Volume 17, Issue No. 2 (1991), pp. 155-167) (cited Vol. 17(4) (1991), p. 429)
1990 National Research Prize
Awarded to Robert A. Cummins, Udo Polzin and Theresa Theobald for a paper titled: “Deinstitutionalization of St. Nicholas Hospital: A four-year follow-up of residence life-style“
(published in Volume 16, Issue No. 4 (1990), pp. 305-321)
1988 National Research Prize
Awarded to Christine Baxter for a paper titled: “Professional Services as Support: Perceptions of Parents.”
(published in Volume 13, Issue No 4 (1987), pp.243-253)
1987 (Inaugural) ASSID NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIZE
Awarded to Gregory M. Lewis, June E. Dempster, Rosemary W. Lawn & Susan K. Robertson for a paper titled: “The G. J. Coles venture: A strategy for creating multiple jobs for intellectually disabled workers in large corporations“
(published in Volume 12, Issue, No. 1 (1986), pp. 79-83)