Parenting Experiences among Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review
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| Title: | Parenting Experiences among Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rae Morris (ORCID |
| Source: | British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2026 54(1):15-27. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Parent Attitudes, Intellectual Disability, Barriers, Literature Reviews, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Disability Discrimination |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.70009 |
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 1468-3156 |
| Abstract: | Background: Parents with intellectual disabilities face many barriers to accessing efficacious supports and services designed to support thriving in their parenting role. A review of research in this area may identify a nuanced understanding of common experiences, including potential barriers and facilitators to success and thriving. Methods: A scoping review of 28 studies was conducted to offer a comprehensive answer to the question What are the parenting experiences as shared by adults with intellectual disabilities in the literature over the last two decades (2005-Present)? Findings: Key study characteristics and recurring themes are shared. Ableism was a recurring theme experienced across multiple systemic levels including: (1) institutional: broader society and child welfare systems, (2) interpersonal: formal and informal supports and (3) internalised: identity as a parent. Conclusions: This study identified that discriminatory assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities and their capacity to succeed in the role of parent generate and exacerbate barriers to autonomy, empowerment, and independence. Opportunities to further research and practice in this area are shared. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496561 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Parents with intellectual disabilities face many barriers to accessing efficacious supports and services designed to support thriving in their parenting role. A review of research in this area may identify a nuanced understanding of common experiences, including potential barriers and facilitators to success and thriving. Methods: A scoping review of 28 studies was conducted to offer a comprehensive answer to the question What are the parenting experiences as shared by adults with intellectual disabilities in the literature over the last two decades (2005-Present)? Findings: Key study characteristics and recurring themes are shared. Ableism was a recurring theme experienced across multiple systemic levels including: (1) institutional: broader society and child welfare systems, (2) interpersonal: formal and informal supports and (3) internalised: identity as a parent. Conclusions: This study identified that discriminatory assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities and their capacity to succeed in the role of parent generate and exacerbate barriers to autonomy, empowerment, and independence. Opportunities to further research and practice in this area are shared. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 1468-3156 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.70009 |
