'I don't feel like I'm in this on my own': Peer support for mothers of children with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour

Authors

Angela Dew, University of New South Wales
Susan Collings, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney
Leanne Dowse, University of New South Wales
Ariella Meltzer, University of New South Wales
Louisa Smith, University of New South Wales, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

135180

Publication Details

A. Dew, S. Collings, L. Dowse, A. Meltzer & L. Smith, "'I don’t feel like I’m in this on my own’: Peer support for mothers of children with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour", Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 23 3 (2019) 344-358.

Abstract

This article reports on the peer support experiences of mothers with a son or daughter with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. Engagement in parent peer support programs can improve family quality of life and may have multifaceted benefits at the interpersonal, intra-individual self-change and sociopolitical levels. Thirteen mothers were interviewed about their experiences of participating in a parent peer support program. Thematic analysis focused on the process elements of the program that contributed to its effectiveness in providing support to parents. There were three process-related themes: the role of a paid coordinator, diversity of engagement strategies and matching of peer support partners. Mothers appreciated the opportunities provided to engage in a range of strategies tailored to individual preferences, time and capacity constraints, supported by the paid coordinator. One-to-one peer support proved difficult to sustain given the challenges mothers faced in their day-to-day lives.