title: Intellectual disability in Indigenous Australians: issues and challenges.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Literature on Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and intellectual disability (ID) is summarized in order to identify current state of knowledge, gaps, and areas for further research.
  
  
  METHODS
  A selective review of psychiatric literature using relevant medical databases was undertaken. Key articles were identified and their findings described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ID is reported to be more prevalent in Indigenous Australians. Sociocultural constructs and a lack of validated psychometric measures affect what is considered to be ID in Indigenous communities. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors impair brain development and contribute to ID in Indigenous communities. Comorbid physical and psychiatric disorders need to be assessed and managed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ID is an emerging area of health concern for general and mental health professionals working with Indigenous Australians. This important area requires further research, appropriate training, and resourcing.
authors.affiliation: Regional Psychiatrist, Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service, Australia; Associate Professor, School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia siva.bala@health.wa.gov.au.
authors.forename: Sivasankaran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balaratnasingam
authors.affiliation: Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual Disability, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
authors.forename: Meera
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods
keywords: Aboriginal; Australian; Indigenous; intellectual disability; mental retardation