The experience of youth with intellectual disability in friendships and relationships

Abstract

This research study aimed to explore the opinion and experiences of youth with intellectual disability when building and maintaining friendships and relationships. A qualitative approach was taken in this research. The data was collected through a focus group of four youths with intellectual disability. Data collected was analysed using a thematic approach while the social model of disability was used as the theoretical framework of this research. The findings highlight how youth with intellectual disability have the same desire for friendships and relationships as non-disabled youth. The study shows how the former struggle to reach this parity. The findings echo existing local and international literature which identify barriers such as overprotection, financial constraints, lack of services and stereotypical attributions as influential in the past and also the present. These barriers affect the possibilities and opportunities for youths with different levels of support to build and maintain friendships and relationships. Although participants believed in their right for equal opportunity, often they accepted far less. The study concludes that there is a need for further development on the social positioning of this minority group. More awareness is needed even among professionals and a change in mentality in how disability is perceived. Support groups for both parents and youth with intellectual disability were suggested to challenge overprotection. This study was an opportunity for a small number of youth with intellectual disability to share, express and voice their opinions in a society that most often tries to mould them into cultural stereotypes.