The aim of the present study was to identify the age correlates of behaviou
ral crises in adults with intellectual disability (ID) living in the commun
ity. The cohort consisted of 185 clients (IQ < 70), ranging in age from 20
to > 70 years, who were referred to a crisis intervention programme special
izing in services to individuals with dual diagnosis over a 7-year period.
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of historical and contemporaneous
variables was completed. Referrals for crisis intervention were not related
to the age of the client. Aggression and non-compliant behaviour occurred
with similar frequency in all age groups. Other behaviours, including withd
rawal, self-injury, stereotypy and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, occur
red less often in older clients. Severity of ID affected the pattern of beh
avioural crises that resulted in referral. The results suggest that people
with ID residing in community settings still experience behavioural crises
as they grow older. Confirmation of the trends reported in the present stud
y might signal a need for accelerating the development of comprehensive age
-span community mental health and behavioural supports.