The experience of adult children of mothers with intellectual disability: A qualitative retrospective study from Poland

Stigma, Acceptance and Belonging for People with IDD Across Cultures

Purpose of Review

This review explores recent literature (from 2017 onwards) to identify current developments related to reducing stigma and increasing acceptance for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in their communities across diverse cultures.

Recent Findings

We identified literature related to experiences of stigma for people with IDD and their families across diverse cultures, as well as current and potential interventions and approaches for promoting acceptance.

Summary

Although the literature confirms that stigma is still a major barrier to acceptance and inclusion for people with IDD regardless of culture, there appears to be progress in terms of using diverse approaches to support acceptance and belonging. Researchers are also increasingly acknowledging the importance of culture and context in the experience and mitigation of stigma. There remains a need for researchers and practitioners to include people with IDD in identifying and prioritising interventions that promote belonging within their communities.

Supporting children of parents with intellectual disability: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Parents with intellectual disability live normal lives and have children, but many of them lose custody of their children. However, little is known about the support, if any, that these children receive. Here, the present authors review the literature on the help and support given to children of parents with intellectual disability.

METHOD

A scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted, covering 1997 to November 2017.

RESULTS

Thirteen publications were identified. The children benefited from help and support received through informal networks. They also benefited from formal support if it focused on the children's needs and interests.

CONCLUSIONS

The review shows that even though support from informal networks might be an influential factor in supporting children, there is a need for more research addressing the formal support these children receive and how they benefit from it.

Everyday life when growing up with a mother with an intellectual or developmental disability: Four retrospective life-stories

Background: The voices of those who have grown up in a family with maternal intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) are valuable for gaining an understanding of their situation, which is essential in order to be able to support these families and avoid potentially detrimental situations.Aim: The study aim was to describe the experience of having grown up in a family where the mother has an IDD, with a focus on everyday life and perceived health consequences in adult life.Method: A qualitative method with retrospective narrative interviews and narrative content analysis was chosen. In-depth interviews were performed with four women who had experiences of a childhood with maternal IDD.Findings: Four themes emerged: Living under adverse circumstances; Dealing with one's everyday life situation; Receiving insufficient support and wishing for more; and The echo from childhood into adult life. The findings revealed a distressing childhood, characterized by neglect, abuse, anxiety, and overburdening responsibilities, and also endeavors to keep the family situation a secret, while at the same time wanting the adult world to react.Discussion: The findings can hopefully stimulate occupational therapists and other professionals to more effectively identify the situation of these children and provide support to prevent adverse future health conditions and poor well-being.

Family and community in the lives of UK Bangladeshi parents with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the lives of parents with intellectual disabilities from minority ethnic communities. Previous research suggests that what it means to live with intellectual disabilities varies across cultural contexts. The current research aimed to explore how cultural values and practices impact upon the experiences of parents with intellectual disabilities within the Bangladeshi community in London, England.

METHOD

Six members of the Bangladeshi community, four Bangladeshi parents with intellectual disabilities and four of their family members were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.

RESULTS

Both parenting and intellectual disability are thought about in this community in ways that make parenting more accessible for people with learning disabilities, but also create tensions to be negotiated.

CONCLUSIONS

Bangladeshi family carers face dilemmas balancing the benefits and risks of promoting parenting for sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities, particularly in the context of service principles of autonomy and informed consent.