Value Them as Members of the Community: Existing Support Structures in Mosques for South Asian Muslim Families of Children with IDD Living in the United States

Abstract

Congregational support plays an essential role in the lives of Muslim families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yet, little is known about support provided by mosques for Muslim families of children with IDD. Using semi-structured interviews, this study examined available and accessed mosque support structures by three South Asian Muslim parents of children with IDD living in the United States. Parents expressed strong emotional and social support from the mosque and positively viewed available respite care. However, they identified lack of formal support for physical accommodations, little support structures for newly immigrated parents, and strong cultural stigma. Parents also reported an absence of informal support structures for parent wellbeing and advocated a need to increase inclusive practices in the community. Although parents expressed strong religious and cultural ties to their mosque community, they voiced a lost sense of belonging and inclusion within the social and religious frameworks of the mosque. While some support structures exist in mosques, most of the support is not accessible, available, or individualized. Implications and future research are discussed.