Understanding Natural Supports in Diverse Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Across Life Domains.

Although natural supports benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), little is known about natural support provided within specific life domains or how race/ethnicity or support from professionals impacts the extent of natural support one receives. In this study, 518 parents of adults with IDD responded to a national survey about natural supports, including who provides support, the number of supporters, and variables that predict natural supports. Family most often provided support, although professionals and family friends were frequent supporters in several domains.

'It's a 24/7 Deal': Parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discuss natural supports.

Background: Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families.

Effects of School-Home Communication With Parent-Implemented Reinforcement on Off-Task Behavior for Students With ASD.

School-home communication is highly valued for parents of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. However, parents report poor communication as a common barrier to developing partnerships with schools. Using a multiple baseline design, we evaluated the effects of a school-home note intervention with parent-implemented reinforcement for decreasing off-task behavior of students with ASD at school.

Who Helps? Characteristics and Correlates of Informal Supporters to Adults With Disabilities.

This study examined who provides informal (or unpaid) supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants included 657 adult siblings of people with disabilities who responded to a national survey about informal supports in the areas of recreation, employment, and housing. Results indicated that most people with IDD received informal supports, with parents and sibling respondents most often providing those supports.