Current Issues in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Families, Self-Advocates, and Intersectionality

In this chapter, the authors discuss three interrelated issues related to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The authors begin with the issue of family caregiving, including conceptual frameworks for understanding caregiving in IDD and caregivers’ experiences across the life course of the individual with IDD. The next issue discussed is that of self-advocacy among individuals with IDD including a discussion of the history and current roles of the self-advocacy movement among individuals with IDD and autism. Finally, the authors discuss the issue of intersectional identities of individuals with IDD, particularly on the topics of race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, and immigrants and refugees with IDD. It is important to highlight these issues related to those with lived experience for people who support individuals with IDD and their families to understand their effects on the quality of life of individuals with IDD. In conclusion, the case is made for individuals with IDD, family members, and service providers (including teachers, social workers, physicians, nurses, therapists, and policymakers) to strive to address the differentiating needs of individuals with IDD and their families, and tailor their services and policies accordingly.