Exploring spontaneous interactions between people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their peers. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamstra, A.; van der Putten, A. A. J.; Maes, B.; Vlaskamp, C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Volume 44:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Profound intellectual and multiple disabilities -- interaction -- positioning -- context -- direct support person -- peers; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; 362.1968
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2017.1415428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-8250

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Peers living in the same group form important interaction partners for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Given the severity of their disabilities, direct support persons (DSPs) play a significant role in facilitating interactions between these peers. This study explores the spontaneous interactions between persons with PIMD and the possibilities provided by DSPs related to physical positioning. Method: Observational data were obtained from 14 people with PIMD for three consecutive hours in a non-controlled situation. Results: Of all 213 observed interactions, 5.1% were with peers, 73.4% with DSPs, 14.9% with the observer, and 6.5% with others. In 61.3% of the observed timeframes, the participants with PIMD were positioned in a way that made it impossible to touch or/and to look at a peer. Conclusion: Generally, the observed positioning of the participants made contacts between peers nearly impossible. DSPs should create optimal conditions for interaction between peers.