b'UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESSES IN YOUNG PERSONS WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITYIsaac Hew, Janelle Loh, Megan Ong, Nilofer Waheeda & Sim Tu NghiIntroductionIntellectual disability (ID) is a developmental disorder characterised by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (i.e. learning, reasoning, problem solving, planning) and adaptive behavior (i.e. social and practical skills for everyday living). Compared to their neurotypical peers, individuals with ID are at least two to three times more vulnerable to developing behavioural and/or psychological problems due to their functioning levels and many other factors. Despite that, REACH had received considerably lower referral rates from special education (SpEd) schools than that from mainstream schools. Based on results from the previous study conducted by Temasek Polytechnic to investigate the reasons behind these low referral rates, it was found that SpEd teachers inadequacy in mental health literacy resulted in their lack of confidence to detect mental health related issues among students with ID. Thus, they struggled to provide effective support and were also unsure of when to refer these students to the appropriate mental health services if needed. Furthermore, caregivers and parents were unwilling to refer their children to REACH due to their misconceptions about mental illnesses, use of psychiatric medications, and fear of the societal stigma their children may face after receiving treatment.Thus, this project is a continuation from the previous research study, that aims to develop a training programme that equips SpEd teachers with the basic skills and knowledge to detect potential mental health issues in their students, manage them and educate caregivers regarding the importance of mental health, early detection and seeking professional help to treat their children with ID.Methodology7TH PSYCHOLOGY STUDIES 19STUDENT CONFERENCE 2021'