Responses to bullying among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Support needs and self‐determination

Abstract

Background Compared to the general population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) more often experience bullying and its negative social and emotional impacts. Prior studies explored bullying of individuals with IDD primarily through investigations of the perspectives of others and the negative impacts of bullying. The current study examined how individuals with IDD describe their responses to experiences of bullying, with a focus on whether responses included component skills of self‐determination. Method Eighteen adults with IDD (50% female) aged 18–63 years were interviewed about their experiences with bullying. Interviews were analysed to determine responses to bullying and the degree to which their responses demonstrated self‐determination. Results Data analysis revealed two primary themes, outside support and self‐determination, with additional subthemes. Conclusions Findings provide a more nuanced description of the ways in which individuals with IDD respond to bullying, including the demonstration of self‐determination skills. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Down syndrome: Parental experiences of a postnatal diagnosis

“…Rather, it reinforces the evidence that parents experience a wide range of emotions irrespective of receiving a prenatal or post-natal diagnosis of their child’s Down syndrome (Farkas et al, 2019; Pillay et al, 2012). Many parent’s preconceived aspirations for their new born were initially shattered at the time of the diagnosis and adequate emotional and psychosocial support was not routinely provided to parents to deal with their own emotions (Griffin et al 2019). Therefore, the way in which healthcare professionals’ disclose this diagnosis needs to be compassionate, tailored, kind and balanced (Sheets et al, 2011b; Marshall et al 2019).…”

Effect of Peer Victimization on the Long-Term Mental Health Status among Adults Users of Intellectual Disability Services: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

“…Research has shown similarly that being alone, being younger, being physically weaker, having secondary disabilities, and having a more severe disability would make victimization more likely [ 18 ]. Individuals with ID who experienced victimizationrelated emotional problems, low self-esteem, and a negative social impact [ 71 ]. Furthermore, in the aspect of interpersonal relations, victims are prone to become perpetrators, resulting in more victims [ 25 ].…”