Social networks of people with ID from different cultural backgrounds

Aim: This study mapped the social networks, social support, barriers, expectations and wishes of people with ID from south Asian communities with a view to understanding differences in their social inclusion, structure and interaction compared to white communities.

Method: Forty-seven people with ID (24 White and 23 Asian) were interviewed using a mixed-methods approach, including the social network guide, adaptive behaviour

scale, semi-structured interviews and participant observation.

Results: There were differences in the level of abilities between the two communities, as well as total size of social networks and network membership for people

with ID: Asian participants had more family members and fewer day centre/club members, while white participants’ networks included more service users. Two emerging themes included; (1) cultural differences in regards to attending religious activities, family, and moving on, and (2) meaningful social, physical, and work activities in that both communities were involved in.

Conclusions: Overall differences were seen in social network size, social support, and membership between Asians and white communities. Barriers (cultural, structural, systematic, assessment, and bureaucratic) outlined in previous research on south Asians were replicated.