Lynne Marsh

Adults with intellectual disabilities experience shame that leads to psychological distress and mental illness that requires assessment and treatment

Commentary on: Clapton NE, Williams J, Jones RSP. The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with intellectual disabilities: a narrative review and synthesis. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil 2017;31:1–17. There is a growing body of research evidence that highlights the stigma and stigmatisation experiences in adults with intellectual …

“Something was wrong”: A narrative inquiry of becoming a father of a child with an intellectual disability in Ireland.

Background: In recent years, there has been a growth of research on men’s experiences of becoming fathers, most of which relates to a typically developing child without intellectual disabilities. While some studies have specifically explored the experiences of becoming a father of a child with an intellectual disability, there are few studies from an Irish context. Aim: The aim of this study was to present Irish fathers’ narratives within the context of leading up to the diagnosis and the actual diagnosis of a child’s intellectual

Adaptation and resilience in families of individuals with down syndrome living in Ireland

Background: Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects people of all races, nationalities and socioeconomic status. The incidence of Down syndrome in Ireland is estimated to be 1 in 546, with approximately 7,000 people with Down syndrome living in Ireland. While some families of individuals with Down syndrome may find it difficult to adapt, other families adapt successfully and some even thrive. The aim of this study, which is guided by the Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was to examine linkages between family demands, family appraisal, family resources, family problemsolving communication and family adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome living in Ireland. Methods: Ninety-five parents (79 mothers, 16 fathers) of children with Down syndrome aged between 1 and 30 years completed six selfreport measures designed to assess key dimensions of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation. Results: This study found that families of children with Down syndrome can adapt and become resilient. Factors found to positively influence this process include family hardiness and affirming family communication. Factors that negatively influenced this process were incendiary family communication and view of the condition impact. Conclusion: Families of children with Down syndrome have the potential to lead full and productive lives and positively adapt to their child’s diagnosis. Early recognition of the difficulties being experienced by families and the provision of interventions that target and foster positive resiliency traits such as affirmative communication and the development of overall family hardiness are key to adaptation.