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Abstract
This article addresses the challenges facing adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in their life course as adults, and the implications on the necessary supports from social services. Through qualitative interviews with six adults with IDD, aged 60 and over, their life stories in adulthood were retrospectively described. Major events and crossroads were mapped, and a thematic analysis undertaken. The mapping process revealed three parallel life courses: relationships with parents, changes in living arrangements and involvement in couple relationships. The analysis indicated: struggles facing a reality dictated without choice, a desire for personal initiative and active involvement with regard to romantic relationships, and striving for independent living. A continued dependency on others throughout adulthood stood out as a main finding. The interviewees did not mention having received support during times of crises in their lives. Based on these findings, a new holistic model of supports is presented, designed to emphasize the importance of developing a separate and autonomous personal identity, enabling individuals with IDD to make decisions, shape their own lives and experience a meaningful life. Future studies should expand the sample under study to include different age groups reporting their experience both in adulthood and in childhood.