Social Networks and the lives of people with IDD. A thematic synthesis of current literature

Introduction: Social networks support individuals’ wellbeing andinclusion. In the light of current severe austerity policies within the UK, asystematic synthesis of qualitative literature was undertaken to ascertainthe impact of cuts in the social lives of people with IDD.Methods: A systematic synthesis of UK-based qualitative papers wasundertaken and ten 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nvivo wasutilised to manage the data (from 1990 to present day).Results: Austerity leading to poverty negatively impacts people’swellbeing. Three major themes which positively influence people’swellbeing and inclusion were delineated. These included: strong, stableand continuous relationships; type of accommodation and level ofstaffing; and active engagement with families.Implications: This review highlights the continuing importance ofsocial networks in the lives of people with IDD and the need for furtherdiscourse and research on the ways in which social networks can be builtand maintained.Keywords austerity, social, networks, relationships