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Abstract

Spirituality is an important dimension of human beings exceeding cognitive capacities. Although empirical studies are scarce there is evidence that individuals with intellectual disabilities have spiritual experiences and interest in religious issues. In contrast, most professional care and support is marked by the neglect of attention to spirituality, a lack of recognition that impacts multiple dimensions of caregiving and, finally, uncertainties and hesitation about how to integrate it into supports. Successful inclusion in faith communities is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, by significant roles for people with intellectual disabilities and physical accessibility. International position papers endorse that people with intellectual disabilities have the right to spiritual expression and practice of beliefs.

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    Fellinger, J., Bertelli, M.O., Lassi, S., Gaventa, B. (2022). Spiritual Issues. In: Bertelli, M.O., Deb, S.(., Munir, K., Hassiotis, A., Salvador-Carulla, L. (eds) Textbook of Psychiatry for Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95720-3_40

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