Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Sex and relationships for people with learning disabilities: a challenge for parents and professionals
- Author:
- GARBUTT Ruth
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 5(2), October 2008, pp.267-276.
- Publisher:
- South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust and University of Huddersfield
This paper considers some of the issues around sex and relationships for people with learning disabilities. It is essentially a discussion paper, highlighting previous research, and information about the rights of people with learning disabilities to have sex and relationships. It particularly focuses on concerns for parents and some implications for professional practice that have arisen from a research project that is trying to find out more about the issues. The main messages coming from parents within the research project is that there is a need for clear, concise information about sex and relationships for young people with learning disabilities and there is also a need for professionals to give parents more support.
The role of gender of children with intellectual disability and their parents in marital intimacy in Southern India
- Authors:
- PADENCHERI Seema, RUSSELL Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities, 8(2), June 2004, pp.131-140.
- Publisher:
- Sage
In low-income countries where gender bias is prevalent, the gender of a child with intellectual disability may impair marital intimacy. This study explores that effect, together with gender differences in parental perceptions of marital intimacy. Twenty-three pairs of parents of children with intellectual disability were divided into two groups according to child gender. The Intimate Bond Measure was used to study the parents’ relationship. Intimacy between parents of girls with intellectual disability was significantly impaired compared with parents of boys with intellectual disability. Intimacy between parents continued to be impaired significantly after controlling for the confounding effect of challenging behaviours. Within the dyads, mothers and fathers did not significantly differ in perceived intimacy. This highlights the importance of assessing marital intimacy among parents of girls with intellectual disability, since impaired marital intimacy may be managed effectively with psychological interventions.
Sexuality: your sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- SCHWIER Karin Melburg, HINGSBURGER Dave
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley/Paul H. Brooks
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 238p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Aimed at mainly at the parents of young people with learning difficulties. Looks at the key role parents play in making sure their child develops healthy sexuality and a sense of self confidence and self esteem in relationships.
Emotional and tangible reciprocity in middle- and older-aged carers of adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- PERKINS Elizabeth A., HALEY William E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(4), 2014, pp.334-344.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study investigates whether older carers of adult children with intellectual disabilities perceive emotional and tangible reciprocity in their relationships and the association between perceived reciprocity with quality of life. The authors surveyed 91 parental carers (aged 50+ years, mean = 60.8). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship between tangible and emotional reciprocity and carer quality of life variables (physical and mental health, depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction) and carers' desire for an alternative residential situation of their son/daughter. Overall, more tangible and emotional support was given than received from their adult children. However, despite varying levels of intellectual disability and functional impairments of their care recipient, carers did report receiving considerable support. Relative disadvantage (i.e., giving more than received) in tangible reciprocity was associated with increased depressive symptomatology and poorer mental health but also reduced desire for seeking an alternative residential situation for the person for whom they are caring. These relationships were attenuated after covariance analyses. Emotional reciprocity was not associated with any of the outcome measures. The results suggest that perceptions of reciprocity are relevant in caregiving for intellectual disability and may be an underappreciated asset in coping with caregiving. (Edited publisher abstract)
Under pressure: the relationships of UK parents who have a child with a learning disability
- Author:
- MARJORIBANKS David
- Publishers:
- Relate, Relationships Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 44
- Place of publication:
- Doncaster
This report looks at the couple, family and wider social relationships of families with a child with a learning disability in the UK. It is the third in a series of reports presenting findings from The Way We Are Now, a survey of more than 5,000 people across the UK. The report looks at existing evidence on parenting a disabled child and the impacts on family relationships. It then presents findings from the survey on the quality of parents’ couple relationships, potential stresses and attitudes to relationship support. It also looks at parents’ relationships at work and work-life balance, relationships with friends and neighbours, and the additional pressures facing parents with dual caring responsibilities. The results of the survey sample showed that parents of a child with a learning disability were more likely to experience lower relationship quality, to have no close friends, and to often feel lonely compared to other parents. They also felt more likely to feel pressured to be available at work and prioritise work over caring responsibilities. The report identifies key policy recommendations to provide support for families to reduce the stressors on relationships and improve the way in which services respond to relationship difficulties in England and Wales. (Edited publisher abstract)
Meeting the emotional needs of young people with learning disabilities: a booklet for parents and carers
- Author:
- WERTHEIMER Alison
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 31p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This booklet helps young people explore and enjoy opportunities in their local area which can help them feel good about themselves .Emotional difficulties are not uncommon amongst adolescents and some young people with learning difficulties will develop mental health problems. They may go through relatively mild and brief periods of being anxious or unhappy, but occasionally they may experience more prolonged or serious difficulties and will need specialist help. The second part of this booklet explains how parents and carers can recognise if this is happening, and where and how they can find help.
Supporting disabled adults in their parenting role
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- York
A Task Force on Supporting Disabled Adults in their Parenting Role received evidence that people with physical impairments, sensory impairments, learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, long-term illness or HIV/AIDS experience common barriers to receiving appropriate support in their parenting role. The Task Force consisted of representatives from government, social services, voluntary organisations and disabled parents' organisations. It took evidence from parents, professionals and researchers.
Learning to partner, disabling conflict: early indications of an improving relationship between parents and professionals with regard to service provision for children with learning disabilities
- Author:
- CASE Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 16(6), October 2001, pp.837-854.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A questionnaire was constructed to analyse whether the high degree of parental dissatisfaction with disability professionals found in previous studies is indicative of the modern parent-professional relationship with regards to service provision for learning disabled children. The subsequent data suggests that professionals are beginning to address the need for clear and appropriate information and intervention, an acknowledgement of parental needs and expertise, and the effective role of parental involvement, whilst parents function within the role of service 'consumers'. Consequently, previous levels of dissatisfaction are slowly being undermined, although professional service remains reactive, particularly in terms of counselling and advice, despite the need and desire for more pro-active provision.
'He will finish up caring for me': people with learning disabilities and mutual care
- Authors:
- WILLIAMS Val, ROBINSON Carol
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29(2), June 2001, pp.56-62.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Reports on a research study of the impact of the UK Carers Act 1995 on families with someone with a learning disability. It involved canvassing the views of people with learning disabilities about their experience of assessments and their relationships within the family. The authors found that many people with learning disabilities expressed empathy for their carer's point of view and that several people (including some who had high support needs themselves) were performing care tasks for their elderly parents. However, no one appeared to recognise the situation as one of mutual care, and parents generally carried on defining themselves as carers since they took responsibility and exercised control. The authors conclude that mutual caring is far more common than is recognised and includes people with severe learning disabilities. A more holistic approach to assessment of needs is required that can take into account the complex web of interdependence within a family. Rather than categorising people into 'carers' and 'cared-for', the authors suggest a model that recognises mutually supportive partnerships within the family.
Empowered or discouraged: a study of people with learning disabilities and their experience of engaging in intimate relationships
- Authors:
- WHITE Emily, BARNITT Rosemary
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(6), June 2000, pp.270-276.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Vulnerable people constitute the majority of referrals to occupational therapy services, due to age and social, psychological and economic circumstances. A collaborative study was carried out on eight adults with learning disabilities who lived in a community residential home. Interviews were completed which dealt with aspects of intimate relationships. The findings showed that the people interviewed had a generally positive experience of such relationships. However, while the attitudes of staff and family towards intimate relationships were mostly empowering, some negative views still existed. The results have implications for occupational therapists working with people with learning disabilities.