What is the evidence underpinning clinical assessment of mental health of deaf adults with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review

Introduction
Deaf adults with intellectual disabilities face challenges in achieving wellbeing. This scoping review concerns clinical assessment of their mental health and aims to establish the current evidence base; implications for practice will be explored.

Methods
Nine databases were searched, from 1990-2024. Items were screened independently by three reviewers following a two step screening process. Data extracted included research design, study sample characteristics and study aims.

Results
After removal of duplications, searches yielded 360 items; 28 texts were reviewed in full and 10 texts included. No study addressed clinical assessment of mental health in deaf adults with intellectual disabilities, nor was literature found presenting their views and experiences.

Conclusion
The lack of evidence is highlighted, and has profound implications for deaf adults with intellectual disabilities and practitioners. Future studies should center the experiences of this highly marginalized group to guide and develop best practice for clinical assessment and subsequent interventions.