Parenting with disabilities

Abstract

This article reports on the initial stages of implementing an Australian-based education programme for parents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) in Sweden. The clinical utility of the programme, Parenting Young Children (PYC), in the new country context is explored through Swedish professionals' experiences in learning and using it. Study participants found PYC well suited for use in their working environment. Most of them reported the programme to have strengthened their work with parents. The programme was seen as benefiting both the study participants in their work with parents with IDs and these parents themselves, and its structure and content were found to be helpful in several ways. The checklists forming part of PYC were considered useful, but their purpose was sometimes misunderstood. The reported study helps to identify what is needed to improve the translation of the programme into the new country context, to promote appropriate and more effective use of programme materials.

Improving services for parents with intellectual disability and their families: Views of Canadian social service workers

“…In line with previous research, participants argued that workers often lack the training and practice tools they need to effectively support parents with intellectual disability and their families (Starke et al, 2013, Strnadova, et al, 2017). Participants highlighted the need for training and support to develop capabilities for reflective practice, relationship building and research utilisation.…”

Mothers with cognitive limitations who have children in placement benefit from intervention

“…The present study examines the experiences of mothers with cognitive limitations who have children in placement, looking at their mothering role after participation in MTA. Previous studies have shown that individual interventions adapted to this target group can be beneficial in increasing parents' ability to manage their situation (Feldman, 1994;Feldman et al, 1999;Starke, 2005;Starke, 2011;Starke et al, 2013;Wade et al, 2008).…”

“…Our knowledge about the support provided for parents with cognitive limitations focuses largely on parents with children living at home (Starke, 2005). It is known that methods adapted to cognitive limitations can improve parental competence in caring, safety and security, feeding, problem-solving, parent-child interaction as well as help the mother to affect the child's behaviour (Feldman, 1994;Feldman, Duchamre, & Case, 1999;Starke, 2011;Starke, Wade, Feldman, & Mildon, 2013;Wade, Llewellyn, & Matthews, 2008). These studies highlight the importance of providing adaptations tailored to each parent, to the cognitive limitations of the parent and to needs the parent experiences as well as the importance of doing so in settings where the new skills are needed.…”

Parentalité et déficience intellectuelle : exploration des représentations sociales des intervenants impliqués

“…Bien que la recherche ait permis d'identifier certaines mesures favorisant le développement des habiletés parentales chez les parents ayant une DI/LI, il demeure difficile de traduire ces savoirs en interventions efficaces (Starke, Wade, Feldman et Mildon, 2013;Wade et al, 2008). Encore faut-il que les professionnels bénéficient de conditions de travail qui facilitent la mise en oeuvre de ces savoirs.…”