Rachel Forrester-Jones - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Rachel Forrester-Jones

Journal of Long Term Care

The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users ar... more The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users are advised to check http://kar.kent.ac.uk for the status of the paper. Users should always cite the published version of record.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2021

Tactile defensiveness in autistic individuals is the least investigated sensory modality. The cur... more Tactile defensiveness in autistic individuals is the least investigated sensory modality. The current multi-component, explorative study aimed to understand the experiences of ten autistic adults regarding tactile defensiveness and fabrics, using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Participants were asked to discuss the effects of seven provided samples of fabrics and were also asked to bring their ‘favourite’ fabric (s) and express their thoughts about their choices. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Content Analysis, the findings showed that some fabrics can impact individuals’ reported wellbeing. Participants’ experiences with several stimuli appeared to have helped them implement coping strategies. By understanding tactile defensiveness, society could move towards increasing autism-friendly approaches with appropriate fabrics. Recommendations for future research, policy and practice are also discussed.

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2021

BackgroundAdults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supp... more BackgroundAdults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century.MethodSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom.ResultsParticipants placed a high value on having a partner and being supported to maintain and develop a loving relationship. The factors which constrained them in achieving this included a lack of social opportunities, barriers created by social care services and limits on them exercising autonomy. Facilitating factors included access to specialist dating agencies, strong family and staff support and opportunities to learn about relationships.ConclusionsThe importance of a loving relationship as a source of pleasure and meaning in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are often disadvantaged in many oth...

Background People with intellectual disabilities have a shorter life expectancy but health care i... more Background People with intellectual disabilities have a shorter life expectancy but health care improvements mean that they are living longer, with the associated health difficulties. Research into ways of supporting people with intellectual disabilities who are ageing and need end of life care is short supply, and few services are provided. Method This research is a single case study that included observations, interviews with standardised questionnaires and focus groups for staff. This Discussion Paper focuses on estimating the comprehensive costs of a specialised residential facility using a standard, well-established approach. Results At £1,422 per resident week (2013 prices) our estimated cost for supporting residents at Leesdown House are likely to be slightly higher that the placement fees paid by local health trusts and social services departments. Any difference would allow the service to build up a small 'cushion' of funds on which to rely during periods of lower occupancy. Additional services and volunteer costs account for a further £55 per resident week. Conclusion Cost information alone should never drive care policy. However, the resources absorbed by Leesdown House generated positive results for residents' quality of life and opportunities to make choices for themselves. This service may provide a solution to the gap in specialist service provision.

Using Action Research-which returns the focus of inquiry to the local context (Stringer 2014:xi*)... more Using Action Research-which returns the focus of inquiry to the local context (Stringer 2014:xi*)we aimed to develop a Policy Lab to look at and solve social policy issues in a new way. We received a favourable ethical opinion from the Bath Social Science Research Committee on 17/02/20 REF: S20-009. Data collection was taken throughout the process to develop thinking around a best practice policy lab model.

Exploring contemporary theory and practice surrounding loss and bereavement for people with an In... more Exploring contemporary theory and practice surrounding loss and bereavement for people with an Intellectual Disability (ID), this book brings together international contributors with a range of academic, professional and personal experience. This authoritative edited book looks at diverse experiences of loss across this population whether it be loss due to transition, the loss or death of others, or facing their own impending death. The book begins by offering theoretical perspectives on loss and compassion, bereavement, disenfranchised grief, spirituality, and psychological support. It then addresses contemporary practice issues in health and care contexts and explores loss for specific communities with ID including children, individuals with autism, those in forensic environments, and those at the end of life. Identifying inherent challenges that arise when supporting individuals with ID experiencing loss, and providing evidence and case studies to support best practice approaches...

Sexuality and Disability, 2020

Dating agencies are a small, but growing sector of social care provision for people with intellec... more Dating agencies are a small, but growing sector of social care provision for people with intellectual disabilities. The research reported here is the first to explore, with 10 specialist agencies in the UK, why they were set up, how they operate, the barriers and problems they encounter and their success or otherwise in facilitating relationships for people with intellectual disabilities. A strong case is made for the proliferation of such services.

Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 2016

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a highly stigmatised condition, and typically developing adolescents'... more Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a highly stigmatised condition, and typically developing adolescents' motives and reasons for excluding individuals with TS have not been examined. The aim of the study was to understand how TS is conceptualised by adolescents and explore how individuals with TS are perceived by their typically developing peers. Free text writing and focus groups were used to elicit the views of twenty-two year ten students from a secondary school in South East England. Grounded theory was used to develop an analytical framework. Participants' understanding about the condition was construed from misconceptions, unfamiliarity and unanswered questions. Adolescents who conceived TS as a condition beyond the individual's control perceived their peers as being deprived of agency and strength and as straying from the boundaries of normalcy. People with TS were viewed as individuals deserving pity, and in need of support. Although participants maintained they had feelings of social politeness towards those with TS, they would avoid initiating meaningful social relationships with them due to fear of 'social contamination'. Intergroup anxiety would also inhibit a close degree of social contact. Participants that viewed those with TS as responsible for their condition expressed a plenary desire for social distance. However, these behavioural intentions were not limited to adolescents that elicited inferences of responsibility to people with TS, indicating that attributional models of stigmatisation may be of secondary importance in the case of TS. Implications for interventions to improve school belonging among youth with TS are discussed.

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2016

European child & adolescent psychiatry, Jan 28, 2015

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by t... more Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by tics. To our knowledge, no systematic reviews exist which focus on examining the body of literature on stigma in association with children and adolescents with TS. The aim of the article is to provide a review of the existing research on (1) social stigma in relation to children and adolescents with TS, (2) self-stigma and (3) courtesy stigma in family members of youth with TS. Three electronic databases were searched: PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science. Seventeen empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. In relation to social stigma in rating their own beliefs and behavioural intentions, youth who did not have TS showed an unfavourable attitude towards individuals with TS in comparison to typically developing peers. Meanwhile, in their own narratives about their lives, young people with TS themselves described some form of devaluation from others as a response to their disorder. Sel...

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 2006

In this article, it is demonstrated that a dichotomy exists between wider societal movements to d... more In this article, it is demonstrated that a dichotomy exists between wider societal movements to develop communication between individuals and among institutions and management practices within a young offenders institution. The principle aimof the article is to illustrate how young offenders are being systematically denied the opportunity to socially interact with others at an appropriate level. The significance of social exchange for these prisoners and howthey achieve this is highlighted. The article concludes by suggesting some recommendations in relation to communication within young offenders institutions.

Tizard Learning Disability Review, 2002

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2005

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2006

Background The social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities presents a major challe... more Background The social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities presents a major challenge to services. As part of a 12‐year follow up of people resettled from long‐stay hospitals, the size of 213 individuals’ social networks and the types of social support they received were investigated, as viewed by people with intellectual disabilities themselves. The types of support received in four different kinds of community accommodation were compared.Method Individuals were interviewed and their social support networks mapped using a Social Network Guide developed for the study. Descriptive statistics were generated and comparisons made using generalized linear modelling.Results The sample comprised 117 men (average age 51 years) and 96 women (average age 56 years). All but seven were White British, 92% were single and they had in general, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The average network size was 22 members (range 3–51). The mean density was 0.5. A quarter of al...

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2013

BackgroundThe topic of funerals within the life cycle approach to care in the UK remains largely ... more BackgroundThe topic of funerals within the life cycle approach to care in the UK remains largely absent. This small exploratory study sought to investigate how practitioners deal with this sensitive issue and to capture the views of older people with and without intellectual disabilities about funerals.MethodsA semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to 40 service managers, and five focus groups for 26 people with and without intellectual disabilities were facilitated. Questionnaires were subjected to thematic content analysis; focus group data were analysed using a grounded theory approach.ResultsManagers demonstrated confusion about organizing the funerals of people with intellectual disabilities. Few differences existed between the views of people with and without intellectual disabilities in relation to funerals and a number of core themes were identified including the lack of opportunities to attend funerals.ConclusionsMore thought and practical interventions are needed ...

... Page 5. Autism and Loss Rachel Forrester-Jones and Sarah Broadhurst Jessica Kingsley Publishe... more ... Page 5. Autism and Loss Rachel Forrester-Jones and Sarah Broadhurst Jessica Kingsley Publishers London and Philadelphia Page 6. First published in 2007 byJessica Kingsley Publishers 116 Pentonville Road London N1 ...