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A Qualitative Study Exploring Ways to Support Parent Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental
Kelli A Sanderson1, Meghan M Burke2,3, Jennifer L Bumble4
1Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA.
Background:
Many parents are the primary caregivers for their adult children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. While there can be many benefits of caregiving, there can also be negative consequences for the parent caregiver and, in turn, for their adult child with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Given the critical care that parents provide to their adult children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, we aimed to understand the supports parents need to be effective caregivers.
Method:
Qualitative data (write-in responses) from a national survey completed by 315 parents of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Four themes emerged from the data, including the need fortangible support, social support, help navigating disability services and resources, and assistance with future planning.
Conclusions:
Our findings point to the need for financial compensation for parent caregivers of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, enhanced disability services, and spaces for families to connect and share resources.
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Intellectual Disability
Parental Care
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Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
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Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
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