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A family systems perspective on supporting self‐determination in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Author(s) -
Taylor Whitney D.,
Cobigo Virginie,
OuelletteKuntz Hélène
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12601
Subject(s) - competence (human resources) , psychology , autonomy , self determination theory , developmental psychology , perspective (graphical) , self determination , agency (philosophy) , intellectual disability , independent living , set (abstract data type) , independence (probability theory) , personal autonomy , social psychology , gerontology , medicine , sociology , social science , artificial intelligence , psychiatry , political science , computer science , law , programming language , statistics , mathematics
Background This study explored the way families support self‐determination in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during life transitions. Method Qualitative case studies were conducted with two Canadian families who participated in semi‐structured interviews and ethnographic observations every quarter for one year. Analyses were informed by family systems theory and self‐determination theory. Findings Families considered the needs and preferences of the young adults with IDD, suggesting individualized approaches for balancing independence and protection. Families set short‐term and long‐term goals for increased independence, scaffolded the learning of new skills and collaborated on important choices. Collaboration occurred to the extent that all family members perceived agency in planning and implementing transitions. Conclusions Families supported the young adults with IDD in their psychological needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy, which allowed them to experience self‐determination. Findings have implications for supporting self‐determination and transition planning in the family system.