Commentary on: Ćwirynkało K, Parchomiuk M. Support as described by fathers with intellectual disabilities. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2023 Mar;36(2):320-332. doi: 10.1111/jar.13061. Epub 2022 Dec 9
Fathers with intellectual disabilities require informal and formal supports to successfully navigate parenthood. The voices of fathers with intellectual disabilities should be prominent in future disability research.
Men with intellectual disabilities become good fathers with appropriate supports in place. Some fathers with intellectual disabilities were underestimated by partners, relatives and professionals, with their abilities to parent continually questioned. While formal and informal supports were viewed as helpful and necessary, there were differences between the support required and those provided. To develop their parenting skills and competence, fathers with intellectual disabilities require additional support.
This study explored the lived experiences of social support of 20 Polish fathers with intellectual...