An exploration of the characteristics of adults being screened using an online intellectual disability screening tool

Research suggests that many adults with an intellectual disability continue to be unidentified. Screening tools can help increase identification. A digital version of the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire (LDSQ) was developed to help improve access to it. This study explored some of the characteristics of those using the digital LDSQ in the UK and those being screened by it. Routinely collected, anonymous data relating to 2016 adults was analysed to address the above aims. We found that 66.5% of users were members of the general public, of whom 77.6% were completing the LDSQ about themselves, while 29.3% were professionals. Professionals were significantly more likely than general public users to screen people with lower levels of adaptive skills, who were older, who had received support at school and were indicated by the LDSQ as likely to have an intellectual disability. In conclusion, the digital LDSQ is being accessed by both the general public and professionals. The latter appear to screen those with greater support needs. Implications for practice are discussed.