Abstract
Despite increasing reports of violence against people with disabilities, little is known about this phenomenon in the Italian context. The purpose of this study was to document the self-reported prevalence of abuse in adults with disabilities. The Abuse Assessment Screen – Disability was administrated to 237 Italian individuals with disabilities (49.4% men; 50.6% women), with a mean age of 44.1 years (SD = 14.20). The prevalence of any type of abuse (traditional or disability-related) in the last year was 19.4%.The rate of traditional types of abuse (physical or sexual) was 9.7% in the last year, while for physical abuse the comparable rate was 8.0% and for sexual abuse, 1.7%. Meanwhile, the rate for any type of disability-related abuse was 9.7%; the rate of being prevented from using a wheelchair, cane, respirator or assistive devices was 3.0%, the rate of refusal of help with an important personal need was 6.8%. There were no gender differences in the prevalence of abuse reported. The results of the survey suggest that Italian people with disabilities are often victims of violence by multiple perpetrators. Therefore, primary and secondary prevention efforts should be undertaken to target specifically people with disabilities.

Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes early-onset developmental disorders characterized by symptoms ranging from impaired social communication skills, stereotyped behaviors, impairment in social interactions, to poor language development. Although the autistic condition is stable across the life span, a substantial number of adult ASD patients may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as having other mental disorders. Twenty-three ASD adult patients underwent clinical examination and were assessed by the following psychodiagnostic instruments: the RAADS-R, the Y-BOCS, and the Rorschach inkblot test. The mean RAADS total score was higher than cut-off threshold (126 ± 43; cutoff = 65). Y-BOCS total scores were moderately high (21 ± 9; cutoff = 7). Rorschach protocols were characterized by a mean productivity (number of responses: 23 ± 12), a concrete intelligence with traits of meticulousness (D = 39%, Dd = 8%), inaccurate formal perception with falls of representation (F- > F+), poor attention to human contents, and perseveration and devitalization as particular phenomena. Adult ASD patients are characterized by peculiar psychopathological features that can be effectively investigated with the use of both psychometric and projective methods. An accurate investigation of behavioral and clinical features and personality traits, should integrate the diagnostic pathway of those adult subjects often presenting with comorbid psychiatric disorders and symptoms heterogeneity.

Abstract
Background: The opportunity to make choices is important for improving the quality of life and increasing the sense of control experienced by people with neurodevelopmental disorder. One of the most important criteria to understand the ability to make choices is the consistency parameter. The aim of this study was to analyse the consistency of choice behaviour in girls with Rett Syndrome (RTT). Methods: Twenty-four girls (13 with RTT and 11 controls, matched on mental age and gender) were tested with stimuli at three different levels of difficulty: with actual items, pictures of the items, and written name items. Results: Consistency of choice index was calculated to compare the performances of girls with RTT and controls. The group factor shows no significant effect. Girls with RTT make choices consistently as the control group. Discussion: This study has shown that individuals with profound neurodevelopmental disorders, as the girls with RTT, are able to make choices keeping consistency in their choices.

Abstract
In this contribution, we explored whether secure attachment – operationalized as an individual difference variable – is positively associated with humanizing perceptions of individuals with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). A cross-sectional study was performed. University students filled out a questionnaire including: a self-report scale of attachment orientations (secure, avoidant, and anxious); items assessing emotions toward individuals with IDD (anxiety, empathy, and trust); items measuring the attribution of uniquely human (e.g., reasoning, self-control) and non-uniquely human (e.g., instinct, impulsiveness) characteristics. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the PROCESS macro to test mediation. Replicating previous research, findings highlighted that a lower human status was generally ascribed to people with disabilities. However, secure attachment was associated with both lower feelings of anxiety and higher attributions of uniquely human traits. No mediation effects of emotions were observed. Practical implications of findings were discussed. Interventions based on security priming should lead people to endorse humanizing evaluations of individuals with IDD, and to help them.

Abstract
This study represents a secondary qualitative data analysis of a sub-set of participants (n = 3) from the Alzheimer’s and Emotions study who exhibited resilience. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to delve deeper into the characteristics and common themes surrounding these participants. Strategies for adapting and meaning made each one comprised in three subordinate themes. Adaptation included decisions that participants and their care providers made which aided in their adapting to their evolving condition. These included appraising one’s current abilities, reappraising abilities and putting things into perspective, and adjustment to one’s current needs and level of functioning. Participants found meaning by reminiscing about the things that made their life meaningful in the past, embracing their current identity as someone with MCI/AD, and maintaining familial and non-familial social support relationships. These non-pharmacological strategies might be helpful in developing resilience among a population of persons with MCI/AD.