"They don't think I can cope, because I have got a learning disability…": Experiences of stigma in the lives of parents with learning disabilities.

BACKGROUND

Parents with learning disabilities report facing a widely held 'presumption of incompetence', placing them under pressure to prove their parenting competence. In collaboration with a learning disability theatre company, an inclusive research methodology explored experiences of parenting with learning disabilities, with a specific focus on the operation of stigma in parents' lives.

METHOD: Interviews with 17 mothers and 5 fathers who self-identified as having learning disabilities were co-facilitated by learning-disabled co-researchers, and analysed using thematic analysis, with input from people with learning disabilities.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis generated four key themes; (1) positions of powerlessness, (2) assumptions of incompetence, (3) challenging assumptions and proving competence and (4) claiming power.

CONCLUSION

Parents reported experiencing stigma and disempowerment within their networks, yet continued to embrace their valued parental identity and drew strength from involvement with self-advocacy organisations. The research informed arts-based performance pieces and resources aimed at training professionals and raising public awareness.