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Promoting Wellness in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through Relationships

  • Intellectual Disability (Y Lunsky, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Social ties are essential to the health and wellness of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); however, a better understanding of factors that promote and support the development of social relationships is needed to develop effective policies and interventions to promote wellness.

Recent Findings

Three factors that influence the formation and maintenance of social ties for people with IDD are individual capacity, interpersonal supports, and organizational or community supports.

Summary

The benefits of a strong social network and the dangers of isolation have been well established in people with and without IDD. Yet, there is a lack of research and planning around how best to support people with IDD in developing and maintaining social relationships. Policy and organizational changes as well as increased research attention is needed to promote the health and wellness of people with IDD by nurturing relationships.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Haleigh M. Scott

  2. The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Susan M. Havercamp

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  1. Haleigh M. Scott
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  2. Susan M. Havercamp
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Correspondence to Susan M. Havercamp.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Intellectual Disability

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Scott, H.M., Havercamp, S.M. Promoting Wellness in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through Relationships. Curr Dev Disord Rep 5, 150–156 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-018-0144-3

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