Formal and Informal Supports for Women With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During Pregnancy

This article explores the role of formal and informal supports for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. Data from qualitative interviews with women with IDD (n = 16) were analyzed. Results showed that formal supports aided in planning, transportation, advocacy, and providing emotional support throughout pregnancy. Informal supports helped with errands, comfort, and emotional encouragement. The community surrounding these women facilitated communication with providers, self-empowerment regarding health choices, and increased preparedness for parenthood. Findings indicate the importance of encouraging and sustaining both formal and informal supports during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum to improve pregnancy and parenting experiences for women with IDD.

Correlates of Support Utilization After Experiencing a Sexual Assault Among College Women and Men

Though previous research has examined survivors' use of formal and informal services, less research has looked at whether sexual orientation, race, and different sexual assault types (e.g., coercive) are associated with seeking support services. The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with utilizing services or support from informal sources (e.g., telling a friend) and formal sources (e.g., psychological counseling) following a sexual assault. Data were gathered in Fall and Spring of 2019-2020 from undergraduate students at a Midwestern university. Logistic regression results showed that heterosexual students had 56% lower odds of using informal supports, while females were 2.05 times more likely to have used informal supports compared to their counterparts. Students who reported more heavy drinking had 37% lower odds of using informal supports compared to their counterparts. Those who experienced physical and incapacitated sexual assault were 2.09 times and 3.60 times more likely to have used informal supports, respectively. Additionally, older students were 1.35 times more likely to have used formal supports compared to younger students, whereas heterosexual students had 67% lower odds of using formal supports compared to sexual minority students. Those with greater PTSD symptoms were 1.07 times more likely to access formal services. Finally, students with greater depressive symptoms had 8% lower odds of using formal supports. Identifying college students who are less likely to access support services following a sexual assault has important implications for targeted prevention and intervention.

Satisfaction with informal supports predicts resilience in families of children with autism spectrum disorder

LAY ABSTRACT

The study of resilience among individuals with disabilities and their families represents a paradigmatic shift from a deficits orientation towards a more holistic and contextualized approach focused on strength and adaptation. The current study investigated whether informal supports could help improve families' capacity for resilience. We recruited 153 caregivers of children aged between 2 and 18 years who all had a diagnosis of autism. Participants were asked to complete surveys assessing resilience in their families as well as their satisfaction with informal supports (e.g. friends and family). Families more likely to report higher satisfaction with their informal support networks demonstrate greater resilience. The results suggest that informal social supports are a valuable resource for families in strengthening their capacity for resilience. The findings may help inform the development of interventions and services that work collaboratively and innovatively with families and their social networks to provide assistance and support in meaningful and effective ways.

Getting by with a little help from my friends: siblings report on the amount of informal support received by adults with disabilities

BACKGROUND

Given decreased formal supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in many industrialised countries, we need to know more about informal, or natural, supports.

METHOD

Adult siblings (N = 632) responded to a web-based survey about the informal supports received by their brothers/sisters with IDDs.

RESULTS

Informal support was organised by the life domains of recreation, employment and housing. Adults with IDDs received the most extensive informal support in recreation and the least extensive in housing; low levels characterised all domains. Individuals with greater numbers of supporters in a domain experienced higher levels of support, as did those residing with family and who received more state-supported, formal benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Unpaid, informal supports supplement the support needs of adults with IDDs. Connections between formal and informal supports for adults with IDDs need to be examined further.

Who Helps? Characteristics and Correlates of Informal Supporters to Adults With Disabilities

This study examined who provides informal (or unpaid) supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants included 657 adult siblings of people with disabilities who responded to a national survey about informal supports in the areas of recreation, employment, and housing. Results indicated that most people with IDD received informal supports, with parents and sibling respondents most often providing those supports. Support was most commonly received in recreation, as opposed to housing or employment. Asked to list nonfamily informal supporters, respondents often mentioned paid staff and disability organizations. Correlates of total numbers of informal supporters included the individual with disability's functioning level and parents' ability to care for their offspring with disabilities.