Parents with a Learning Disability: Research issues and informed practice

ABSTRACT

This paper commences with an examination of the concept of parenting and then applies its findings to parents who have a learning disability. It is argued that views on parenting, drawn from mainstream developmental psychology from parents who do not have a learning disability can inform our thinking about parents who do have a learning disability and provide an agenda for future research. In particular, we look at skills-based approaches to parenting, parenting as a motivated activity, cultural and historical factors influencing parenting, and lay views on children and childhood. The conclusion was reached that, although an audit of what people with a learning disability believe and expect about children is valuable research, the critical issue is how this knowledge is applied in parenting practice.