Services and Research concerning Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

There continues to be a critical need for information about appropriate services for parents who have intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities, or who have learning difficulties. Through the Looking Glass initiated services for parents with intellectual disabilities and their children in 1983. (TLG and others have chosen not to use the term "mental retardation" as it is considered offensive by many of those so labeled.) A specialized program for parents with intellectual disabilities was established in 1990 and serves 40-50 families annually. Our intervention services to parents with intellectual disabilities have documented significant outcomes: the out-of-home placement rate of children of parents with intellectual disabilities served by TLG is 2-7% compared to a national out-of-home placement rate of 40-60%.

Parents with intellectual disabilities have been a major focus throughout our role (since 1993) as the primary national resource center for parents with disabilities. We have field-tested curricula and adaptations, reviewed materials, annotated articles, research and legal precedents, participated in media projects, and developed model intervention strategies that are channeled into training of professionals. Parents with intellectual disabilities were a major focus of our international conferences. In recent years, we have concentrated on improving practice in the many mainstream systems serving and affecting the lives of these families, such as child protection, and early intervention systems and Early Head Start. Improving practice in legal systems associated with child protection and family courts has been a particular focus. Our expertise has been channeled into legislation developed in three states, to improve practice with parents with all disabilities, including parents with diverse cognitive disabilities. The following articles and linkages reflect some of our work and the resources we have found helpful in this area.

Resources for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

Articles from Through the Looking Glass' free newsletter, Parenting with a Disability

I am Sam – a TLG perspective
Whatever its flaws, I am Sam is a catalyst for discussion about attitudinal and practical social changes that can improve the lives of parents with developmental disabilities and their children. Full Text

Parents with Cognitive Disabilities
Since 1990, TLG has had a large prevention-oriented project providing services locally to families in which one or both parents have a cognitive disability. Most of these families receive services funded through the Regional Center (part of the California State Department of Developmental Services). Families receive intensive, home-based and individualized services from our multidisciplinary staff during pregnancy and parenthood. Full Text

TLG's Intervention Model and New Training Module concerning Parents with Intellectual Disabilities
Sherrie Hansen, Ph.D., TLG Clinical Director & Megan Kirshbaum, Ph.D., Executive Director TLG's National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities receives numerous requests for materials and information about more effective services for parents with intellectual disabilities. (Note: The term "intellectual disability" is used in place of a widely used but inexact term "developmental disability.") Many service providers report particular frustration about conveying information to parents with intellectual disabilities. Full Text

WIC Policy
Through the Looking Glass has been recommending that parents with cognitive disabilities (when they are not solely breastfeeding) be provided ready-to -feed formula by WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) as an ADA accommodation. Full Text

Publications Specific to Parents with Intellectual Disabilities from Through the Looking Glass

A Disability Culture Perspective on Early Intervention with Parents with Physical or Cognitive Disabilities and Their Infants
$2 (includes shipping)

Summaries of Legal Precedents and Law Review Articles Concerning Parents with Disabilities
$25 (includes shipping)

Strategies and Adaptations in Working with Parents with Intellectual Disabilities
$5 (includes shipping)

Training Module: Designing Support Groups for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities.
$100 (includes shipping)

Ehlers-Flint, L. (2002). Parenting perceptions and social supports of mothers with cognitive disabilities. Sexuality and Disability 20(1), 29-52.
TLG is pursuing how we can disseminate this article directly. In the meantime, you or your institution can register to purchase this article from the publisher. The publisher's site also includes an abstract of this article: Sexuality and Disability.

Additional Resources for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities, not associated with Through the Looking Glass

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene (December 2000 to December 2002). Developing Family Support Groups for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Grant Results.

A Fair Chance: Parents with Developmental Disabilities

Building Foundations: A Curriculum Guide for Supported Parenting

Cultivating Competence, 2nd Edition

Different Moms

Growing up with Parents Who Have Learning Difficulties

Impact Issue on Supporting Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

The Nurturing Program: Parents with Special Learning Needs and Their Children

Reuben Lindh Family Services