Parents with intellectual disabilities and their perspective of peer support : "it depends on how they give it"

Background: Parents with intellectual disabilities face particular challenges, such as lack of sufficient support with their parenting. Peers can be an important source of support for parents in the general population; however, there is a limited knowledge about peer support for parents with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of parents with intellectual disabilities with social support with a focus on the role of peers. Method: Twenty-six parents with intellectual disabilities in New South Wales, Australia, took part in a semi-structured interview. Results: The inductive content analysis of data revealed three main themes; this article reports on one of them—Developing interdependence. Conclusions: The source of support was less important than the way support was offered. Parents valued support offered by someone who respected them as a person and parent, and was interested in what they wanted and needed.