Parents with intellectual disabilities navigating formal parenting supports: Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

Authors

Anne Honey, Susan Collings, John V Rider, Evelina Pituch, Veronica O'Mara, Margaret McGrath

Published in

Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Pages 1-12. Aug 05, 2026. Epub Aug 05, 2026.

Abstract

Parents with intellectual disabilities often require support with parenting. Information about their experiences of accessing formal support for parenting is dispersed throughout diverse literature. This study aimed to synthesise current qualitative knowledge about this topic.
We conducted a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis.
Of 38 eligible studies, most reported parents being unable to access needed support for parenting. Support provided was often perceived as unwanted, unsuitable, dictatorial, disempowering, judgemental, or inaccessible. Parents described the right support as offered rather than imposed, available when needed, tailored to their learning needs, encouraging, respectful, and caring. Rather than passively receiving support, they actively sought and responded to support based on these perceptions.
The study revealed that parents with intellectual disabilities have clear views on the support they need and exercise agency in trying to access the right support. Practitioners can provide effective support by engaging in relational, trust-based practices.

PMID:
42555518
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Aug 2026.

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