Mapping social lives: social networks and social support of individuals with intellectual disabilities

The present paper reports on findings concerning the social network and social support of approximately 250 people with intellectual disabilities who are living incommunity settings across the UK. An interview schedule was developed which incorporated a social network map to delineate the structural and interaction properties of individuals’ social networks. More qualitative methodologies were employed to gather user-defined data about friendship. The social network interview was part of a wide study looking at the outcomes and costs of community care Ten Years On. Descriptive accounts of people’s social lives are presented, including types of support received. Relationships between social networks and types of community settings, as well as interrelated outcomes, such as skills and behaviour, are also reported. Recommendations to service providers and staff concerning social networks are highlighted.