Aging with intellectural disability: perception of professionals at the Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities

Abstract

Objective: To understand the aging of people with intellectual disability from the perspective of education professionals at the Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities (Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais [APAE]). Methods: This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach; data were collected in November 2020 from 17 education professionals working at APAE by using a structured online questionnaire via the Google Forms platform. Data were transcribed and organized in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a Microsoft Word text file, and data analysis followed the discourse of the collective subject methodology. Results: Six central ideas emerged from the results: the aging of people with intellectual disability is expected, but premature; understanding the aging process of people with intellectual disability: a deficit of understanding or non-existence; stereotypes, prejudice, and stigma linked to older adults with intellectual disability; cognitive impairment when aging with intellectual disability: skills, functioning, autonomy, and independence; limitations and disabilities of older adults with intellectual disability require care and support; and communication difficulties of older adults with intellectual disability: welcoming, stimulating, and raising awareness. Conclusions: Aging with intellectual disability involves dismissing infantilization and stereotypes, providing opportunities for activities of daily living and social experiences, prolonging independence and autonomy, and improving the process of aging with dignity, care and support.