Increasing Social Interactions for People with More Severe Learning Disabilities Who Have Difficulty Developing Personal Relationships

Abstract

This article is based on the findings from a social contact group set up for four men with severe learning disabilities. The formation of friendships and relationships is an area where little improvement has occurred following the closure of large institutions. The reasons why people with learning disabilities find friendship formation difficult can include social skill deficits, the severity of their learning disability and the lack of supportive opportunities. The current study suggests that in order to facilitate friendships between people with more severe learning disabilities, the physical opportunity to meet others in a supportive environment is much more important than the severity of their learning disabilities and how socially skilled they are.