ABSTRACT

Using examples from recent news and human-interest stories, this chapter describes the challenges faced by intellectually disabled parents, both individual (e.g. developing parenting skills) and systemic (e.g. poverty, the child welfare system). Next, methods of delivering parenting skills training are discussed and relevant research is examined. Finally, the core elements of an effective parenting skills training program for intellectually disabled people are enumerated. The chapter concludes with two case studies: one of an intellectually disabled mother involved with the child welfare system, and one of an autistic couple contemplating becoming parents.