Social Support Networks Among Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Previous research using predominantly adult populations has found that social support is positively correlated with an individual’s quality of overall health and wellbeing. Given the limited research investigating social support among children, especially children with special needs, the present study explored the social support networks of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Nine children enrolled in an after-school program were observed interacting with others and were interviewed in group discussions about the sources of support they tend to rely on in their daily activities. Preliminary findings suggest that children relied on each other’s for help during the regular after-school activities and reported receiving different extent and types of support from family members, peers, teachers, and coaches. These findings suggest that children with IDD benefit from a strong social support network system which may have practical implications for middle childhood interventions in educational settings