Family‐based social capital of emerging adults with and without mild intellectual disability

Abstract

Background Family is recognised as an important context for the self‐development of young adults in emerging adulthood, although very little research has addressed the perspective of young people with intellectual disability about their families by using self‐report. This study examined how emerging adults with mild intellectual disability define their family support networks, compared with definitions of students without intellectual disability, within a social capital theoretical framework. Methods Fifty‐three participants with mild intellectual disability and 53 students without intellectual disability were interviewed individually using the Family Network Method – Intellectual Disability (FNM‐ID). Data from the FNM‐ID relate to key social network measures on how individuals define their family groups, and how they perceive existing supportive relationships within their families. Participants with mild intellectual disability and students were compared on the FNM‐ID social network measures. Results Participants with mild intellectual disability reported fewer family members who they considered significant to them than students without intellectual disability. They were less likely to include peers (i.e. friends and partners) and siblings in their significant family networks, had fewer relationships with family members in which they received or gave support, had fewer reciprocal support relationships and had a less central position in their family network. Discussion The family‐based social capital of emerging adults with mild intellectual disability differed from that of students without intellectual disability. They may remain more dependent on their natural family for emotional support as their supportive networks have not necessarily made the transition to networks with emotionally close peer relationships.

Homeward bound: Exploring the motives of mothers who brought their offspring with intellectual disabilities home from residential settings during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…This is consistent with previous research, which has shown that parents can play a key role in building the decision‐making capacity and autonomy of their offspring with intellectual disabilities (Van Asselt‐Goverts et al, 2013 ). However, in line with previous research, the current study also shows that parents may find it difficult to know what is best for their offspring, and to balance their need to protect their offspring with respect for their offspring's own wishes (Curryer et al, 2019 ; Giesbers et al, 2020 ).…”

“…However, as with all offspring, as they grow up and become more autonomous, their wishes and needs may change. For people with intellectual disabilities, who remain reliant on their families, this may become challenging for the parents and for the person with intellectual disabilities (Curryer et al, 2019 ; Giesbers et al, 2020 ). To ensure good quality of life for all family members, including the person with intellectual disabilities, it is important to support the family as a system (Hastings, 2016 ; Seligman & Darling, 2009 ), and to understand the needs of parents.…”

Supported internships as a vehicle for social inclusion

“…A SI programme which adopted a "general differences position" would therefore treat interns as different from others and thus in need of a separate environment to those without learning disabilities. The presence of the "unique differences" position (Norwich and Lewis, 2007) in the "interpersonal" relationships established between colleagues and interns points therefore to the broader, deeper "organisational" (Simplican et al, 2015) reciprocal relationships (depth of social inclusion) (Giesbers et al, 2020).…”

Families’ Experiences on Safety Needs of Children with Intellectual Disability

“…In support of this finding, it was found that in South Africa fathers left their families, avoiding being associated with children with disability [ 21 ]. The literature asserts that children with ID have fewer relationships with those nuclear family members who expose them to unsafe home environments [ 31 ]. The study highlights less support of mothers by their spouses who were always absent either due to work or failed relationships, leaving all parental responsibilities to mothers.…”