Intellectual Disability in the Australian Aboriginal Population: A Critical Review

Objectives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Indigenous population of Australia. Australian Aboriginal people represent a small percentage of the overall Australian population. However, this population group has a higher rate of Intellectual Disability when compared to the non-Indigenous Australian population. This article aims to review the current literature regarding Intellectual Disability in the Australian Aboriginal Population, build on the current evidence base for Intellectual Disability specific to the Australian Aboriginal population, investigate if any changes to the evidence base have occurred, and identify areas where further research is required. This is in comparison to a literature review completed by Roy and Balaratnasingam in 2014. Methods Literature review. Results The literature review affirms that there exists a disproportionate representation of Intellectual Disability in the Australian Aboriginal population. It highlights the current focus on predisposing risk factors and the resulting risks associated with Intellectual Disability. It also highlights the current lack of evidence-based research around interventions for Intellectual Disability in the Australian Aboriginal population. Conclusions Australian Aboriginal people are disproportionately affected by Intellectual Disability which, as mental health practitioners in Australia, we believe is an area that urgently requires further research and redress. This literature review summarises the current evidence base and identifies potential areas for further research.