Parents of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Describe Differences between Formal and Natural Supports: A Qualitative Study
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| Title: | Parents of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Describe Differences between Formal and Natural Supports: A Qualitative Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kelli A. Sanderson (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(2). |
| 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: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Parent Child Relationship, Adults, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Community Support, Parent Attitudes, Services |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70217 |
| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| Abstract: | Background: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on formal and natural supports to meet their daily needs, yet it is unclear how parents differentiate between these two supports. To address this gap in the research, this qualitative study examined parental perspectives on formal and natural supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Method: Twenty-three parents from nine US states participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method. Results: Five themes emerged, highlighting differences and similarities between formal and natural supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities--supporter motivation, challenges with supports, variations in care, parent toll and blurred lines between natural and formal supporters. Conclusions: Findings emphasise the interdependence of formal and natural supports and the significant toll that supports take on parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We conclude with implications for practice, policy and research. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503900 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on formal and natural supports to meet their daily needs, yet it is unclear how parents differentiate between these two supports. To address this gap in the research, this qualitative study examined parental perspectives on formal and natural supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Method: Twenty-three parents from nine US states participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method. Results: Five themes emerged, highlighting differences and similarities between formal and natural supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities--supporter motivation, challenges with supports, variations in care, parent toll and blurred lines between natural and formal supporters. Conclusions: Findings emphasise the interdependence of formal and natural supports and the significant toll that supports take on parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We conclude with implications for practice, policy and research. |
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| ISSN: | 1360-2322 1468-3148 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jar.70217 |
