| dc.description.abstract | Purpose/Aims: A systematic review was conducted as part of the Special Needs Education Master’s Thesis, to identify non-pharmacological interventions using RCT designs for children with intellectual disability (ID); measure the methodological quality of identified studies; identify intervention categories. This area was selected as it was proposed that in order to best support children with ID effectively, with well-informed, evidence-based practice, a sound research base must be available for practitioners and policy makers. The study design was limited to RCTs to identify the highest standard of research possible. While the extended summary provides greater theoretical and legislative backgrounds and perspectives, the article (provided at the end of the thesis) provides a more concise version of this. Disability and Rehabilitation was the journal selected for submission for purposes, and the article follows the layout and referencing guidelines accordingly. Materials and methods: Further consideration was given to the benefits of conducting systematic reviews, in terms of evaluating evidence, and in consideration of the various levels of evidence. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021239599); followed PRISMA reporting guidelines. RoB2.0 was used to evaluate study methodological quality. Five databases were searched. Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs); children, 5-18 years, with ID; nonpharmacological interventions; original, peer-reviewed English-language articles. Results: 878 records identified; 24 studies included. Data extracted using pre-specified forms. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogeneity. Studies categorized into groups relating to cognitive or adaptive functioning according to intervention focus. Conclusions: Further research suggested in the areas of social skills and communication, and in relation to adolescents. Developing procedures to measure outcomes appropriate for individuals with ID across ages and abilities may support/promote the inclusion of people with more severe ID within RCTs. Title of the article: A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation | eng |