Social networks of people with mild intellectual disabilities: characteristics, satisfaction, wishes and quality of life

Abstract

The significance of family and the importance of high-quality interpersonal relationships between professional and client in the lives of young adults with ID cannot be overestimated. Although measures of satisfaction and wishes can have limitations, in actual practice it is considered useful to assess the opinions of clients with respect to their social networks. Interventions can then be tailored to the needs and wishes of the persons themselves.

The Concept of Quality of Life as Framework for Implementing the UNCRPD

“…For example, one of the indicators of the quality of interpersonal relations is the social network of the person. This finding is supported by social network's literature where two perspectives emerge to understand and measure the concept (Forrester‐Jones et al, ; Lunsky, ): a structural one (e.g., in terms of size and frequency) and a functional one (e.g., in terms of perceived emotional and practical support) (Van Asselt‐Goverts, Embregts, & Hendriks, ).…”

From Social Exclusion to Supported Inclusion: Adults with Intellectual Disability Discuss Their Lived Experiences of a Structured Social Group

“…A supported social network is critical to the feeling and experience of social inclusion (Van Asselt‐Goverts et al . ). In addition to the forming of interpersonal relationships, the social group also fostered physical activity and community participation.…”

“…Van Asselt‐Goverts et al . ) and greater involvement of family increased community participation (e.g. Amado et al .…”

“…In fact, research that asked adults with a mild‐to‐borderline intellectual disability about their social networks identified that they were not only satisfied with their social networks, which included family and professionals, but also found a significant association between the network characteristic of affection assigned to family and professionals, and self‐rated quality of life (Van Asselt‐Goverts et al . ).…”

Loneliness in people with intellectual and developmental disorders across the lifespan: A systematic review of prevalence and interventions

“…It can also be argued that having children or partner per se does not have an impact on loneliness but it is the nature of relationships with these family members that is important. For instance, Asselt‐Goverts, Embregts, and Hendriks () found that one of the most valued elements of a relationship with family members in people with DD is affection. Thus, the exploration of the nature of relationships with close network members could have yielded significant results.…”