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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
Language: English
Authors: Kelli A. Sanderson (ORCID 0000-0002-9483-8474), Kevin A. Clair (ORCID 0009-0007-4020-8518), Meghan M. Burke (ORCID 0000-0001-5287-2351)
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
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  Data: Parents of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Describe Differences between Formal and Natural Supports: A Qualitative Study
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kelli+A%2E+Sanderson%22">Kelli A. Sanderson</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9483-8474">0000-0002-9483-8474</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kevin+A%2E+Clair%22">Kevin A. Clair</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4020-8518">0009-0007-4020-8518</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Meghan+M%2E+Burke%22">Meghan M. Burke</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5287-2351">0000-0001-5287-2351</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Applied+Research+in+Intellectual+Disabilities%22"><i>Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities</i></searchLink>. 2026 39(2).
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  Data: 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
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  Data: Y
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  Data: 12
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Parent+Child+Relationship%22">Parent Child Relationship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adults%22">Adults</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Intellectual+Disability%22">Intellectual Disability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Developmental+Disabilities%22">Developmental Disabilities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Community+Support%22">Community Support</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Parent+Attitudes%22">Parent Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Services%22">Services</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1111/jar.70217
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  Data: 1360-2322<br />1468-3148
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: 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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      – SubjectFull: Parent Child Relationship
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Adults
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Intellectual Disability
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      – SubjectFull: Developmental Disabilities
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      – SubjectFull: Community Support
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      – SubjectFull: Parent Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Services
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      – TitleFull: Parents of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Describe Differences between Formal and Natural Supports: A Qualitative Study
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