Parents with a Learning Disability - recent items

Objective this study aims to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework that will inform maternity care improvements for expectant mothers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by exploring the structure, functions, and perceived quality of social support received by women with IDD during pregnancy and childbirth. Design/setting using a grounded theory approach, we conducted an exploratory study set in Ontario, Canada in 2015. Participants the sample included four adult women with IDD who had given birth in the last five years. Measurements data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Findings the structure of social support received by women with IDD consisted of both formal and informal sources, but few or no friendships. Women with IDD reported high levels of informational and instrumental support and low levels of emotional support and social companionship. However, a high level of available support was not always perceived as beneficial. Emergent core categories suggest that social support is perceived as most effective when three conditions are met: (1) support is accessible, (2) support is provided by individuals expressing positive attitudes towards the pregnancy, and (3) autonomy is valued. Key conclusions and implications for practice our study confirms and identifies important gaps in the social support received by expectant mothers with IDD. Women with IDD currently lack accessible informational support, emotional support, and social companionship during pregnancy and childbirth. Additional findings regarding the structure and functions of social support are presented, and a preliminary conceptual framework of effective social support during pregnancy and childbirth, as perceived by women with IDD is also proposed. Findings suggest that increasing support accessibility should be a social and clinical priority; however, maternity care providers should be aware of stigmatizing attitudes and respect the autonomy of pregnant women with IDD as they prepare for motherhood. Title: The characteristics of local support systems, and the roles of professionals, in supporting families where a mother has an intellectual disability. Citation: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, May 2016, vol. 29, no. 3, p. 197-210, 1360-2322 (May 2016) Author(s): Weiber, Ingrid, Eklund, Mona, Tengland, Per-Anders Abstract: Background: There might be a need for support for families where the mother has an intellectual disability, in order to counteract the effects of potential parental inadequacy and other detrimental aspects of the family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe how professionals characterized such support and the collaboration required. Materials and methods: Focus group interviews involving 29 professionals were conducted and analysed using content analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: The roles and activities of the professionals involved; ways in which needs of support are identified; problems in identifying mothers with an intellectual disability; how professionals coordinate their support and work together; and the dilemma concerning legislative actions. Conclusions: By identifying both fruitful and problematic aspects of professional support, the findings may be used to enhance future support. More efficient chains of information and improved intersector collaboration between professions may further enhance the support practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract) Background: There might be a need for support for families where the mother has an intellectual disability, in order to counteract the effects of potential parental inadequacy and other detrimental aspects of the family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe how professionals characterized such support and the collaboration required. Materials and methods: Focus group interviews involving 29 professionals were conducted and analysed using content analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: The roles and activities of the professionals involved; ways in which needs of support are identified; problems in identifying mothers with an intellectual disability; how professionals coordinate their support and work together; and the dilemma concerning legislative actions. Conclusions: By identifying both fruitful and problematic aspects of professional support, the findings may be used to enhance future support. More efficient chains of information and improved intersector collaboration between professions may further enhance the support practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)