How should we support families of people with intellectual disability to promote their self-determination? A Delphi study on critical components for intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and aims Self-determination related skills are central for achieving a life of quality for people with intellectual disability and develop as the person interacts with his/her contexts, such as home. As such, families are crucial agents in supporting the self-determination of their children with intellectual disability, although to date, little is known about how to support those families. Methods To address this need, the present study used a Delphi technique to build and reach a consensus on the critical components that should inform interventions targeting families to promote their children’s self-determination. Results Academics and professionals participated in this three-round Delphi study that concluded with a 90-item list of critical components for intervention, concretely relating to general principles, format, content, and methodology. Conclusions This knowledge has the potential to guide emergent intervention initiatives to support families in fostering their children’s self-determination. Implications for research and practice fields are provided and discussed.