Assessing Intellectual Disability in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Adults: A United Kingdom Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND

United Kingdom (UK) clinicians report growing demand for intellectual disability diagnostic assessment among adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, yet practice is variable, and evidence to guide assessment is limited. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on research, policy, and clinical practice priorities.

METHOD: A mixed-methods Delphi design was used, comprising three rounds. Twenty UK-based psychology experts met the inclusion criteria and completed iterative online surveys. Round 1 responses were analysed using template-based thematic analysis to generate statements for rating in subsequent Delphi rounds.

RESULTS

Of 32 statements, 16 (50%) reached consensus. Priorities included developing and validating cross-culturally applicable cognitive tools, evaluating interpreter-mediated assessment, strengthening the measurement of cross-cultural adaptive behaviour, and improving service conditions and training.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving equity in intellectual disability assessment requires methodological and service-level resourcing and guidance to support best practice.