This phenomenological study represents the first qualitative exploration of parents' experiences of the process of filial therapy from a systemic lens. Filial therapy is a treatment approach that teaches parents how to conduct weekly thirty minute play times with their target child at home in an effort to improve the parent-child relationship. Previous research has focused almost exclusively on the impact of this model on this relationship; however, the results from this focus group study (n = 8) indicate several relational shifts that occur within the greater family and societal contexts and suggest potential reasons for treatment gain maintenance over time.

Several studies have demonstrated that mothers with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher prevalence of mental health illness, lower socio-economic status, and a higher risk of alcohol and drug use compared to mothers without ID. The children of mothers with ID are over-represented in child protection and legal proceedings but are generally a less studied group than the mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate if children born to mothers with ID had an increased risk of being diagnosed with mental illness, injuries, and violence compared with children of mothers without ID. The study comprised a population-based cohort of children born in Sweden between 1999 and 2005. Data were collected from the Medical Birth Register and linked with two other national registers; ICD-10 codes were used for medical diagnoses, including ID. The children were followed from birth to seven years of age. In total, 478,577 children were included, of whom 2749 were born to mothers with ID. Children of mothers with ID were at a greater risk of having mental health problems (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.74-2.35) and ID (OR=4.14; CI=2.95-5.82) in early childhood. They had an increased risk for injuries due to falls (OR=1.15; Cl 1.04-1.27). The largest risk related to trauma was violence and child abuse (OR=3.11; CI=1.89-5.12). In conclusion, children of mothers with ID had an increased risk for injuries, violence, and child abuse. We therefore suggest that parents with ID should receive evidence based support so that their children receive the best care and protection.

Background There is limited knowledge about how young people with intellectual disability can be facilitated in their process of deciding about parenthood. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an upcoming trial to evaluate an intervention using the Toolkit “Children—what does it involve?” and the “Real‐Care‐Baby” (RCB) simulator among students with intellectual disability. Methods Six students with intellectual disability participated in an intervention with eight educational sessions and a 3‐day caring session with the RCB simulator. Data were collected with questionnaires and interviews. Results The study showed that it is possible to evaluate an intervention using these instruments among students with intellectual disability in order to provide them with further insights about parenthood. Conclusion It is feasible to evaluate the Toolkit and the RCB in a cluster‐randomized study and that such a study could add to our knowledge about possible intervention strategies regarding reproduction and parenting among students with intellectual disability.

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Background: Different types of staff support individuals with intellectual disability (ID) in their daily life, in schools, leisure activities and in special accommodations. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of experiences and perceptions regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among staff. Methods: Data were collected in mid-Sweden in four focus groups with altogether 20 participants, 18 women and 2 men aged between 18 and 65 years. They had different professions and worked among youth and adults with ID aged 18-40 years in schools, accommodations and with leisure activities. Their working experience varied from 3 years to more than 20 years. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed with content analysis. Results: The participants generally described positive attitudes towards sexuality for people with ID, both among themselves and in society. However, many situations such as ensuring privacy, balancing between waiting and acting, issues around contraception and reproduction were difficult to address and participants had hesitations about childbearing. They described different strategies such as showing respect, enhancing self-esteem and decision making ability and using interprofessional support to cope with frustrating situations. They lacked a clear mandate from managers as well as written guidelines and policies. They requested education and support from peers, supervisors and other professionals. Conclusion: Participants in the study were generally open-minded and accepting towards sexuality among young people with ID. They thought it was difficult to deal with reproduction/parenthood and felt unprepared and frustrated in certain situations. The participants requested a clear mandate from managers, organizational guidelines, more education and inter-professional support. We believe these findings can inform the development of policy and support the implementation of SRHR related guidelines to support staff working with young people with ID.