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'What's the next stage?' Mothers of young adults with Down syndrome explore the path to independence: a qualitative investigation
- Authors:
- DOCHERTY Julie, REID Kate
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(5), September 2009, pp.458-467.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The values and beliefs of eight mothers of young adults with Down syndrome who are currently involved in supporting their offspring in the possible transition from dependence to independence are explored. The mothers, all living in Scotland, were interviewed and the results were thematically analysed using the qualitative approach, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The mothers described themselves as having a dynamic role as both gate-keepers and facilitators in aiding their offspring on the path to adulthood. These findings are not consistent with findings of previous research, which suggested that mothers in this situation are personally and socially inclined to limit the transition of their offspring to an independent adulthood. The discussion explores the possible reasons for this change and proposes clarification to existing theoretical frameworks for understanding mothers' perspectives.