Have your say.

Have your say

As you know, we like to regularly share your thoughts and opinions. We recently asked you what advice you would give to somebody where a parent is affected by learning disabilities. You provided some incredible advice, so we hope that you can pick up an idea or two to support your practice.

What advice would you give to someone working with a family where the parent(s) is affected by learning disabilities?

“Consider advocacy support for the parent; engage adult services; whole family approach.” Laura, Leicestershire

“My advice would be recognising the difference, respect that difference and work with that difference to safeguard the rights of the child and the rights of the parent to lead a safe and positive life. Ideally for both but be alert and seek expert support for the parent if by helping the parent(s) the children will benefit.” Anonymous, Scotland

“Ensure a social worker from the learning disability team is involved & work collaboratively.” Sumayya, Bradford

“I would ask them to research that kind of disability or disorder, regarding symptoms, effects and positive coping mechanisms. I would ask them to shadow a similar case if possible, so they could learn. I would advise them to be non-judgmental, and to understand that people with learning disability can be positive parents. I may advise to assess the child(ren) also.” Katie, Croydon

“Treat people as you like to be treated, with respect and dignity. Use jargon-free language, explain things slowly and use simple easy understandable language” Swinder, Bedfordshire

“Make communication and information accessible in a way that is understood. In addition, design support in such a way that it will the needs of the parents with the focus being on their needs and strengths. They should also have long term support as well as access to independent advocacy.” Sheradean, Ashford

“Make sure the parent understands very clearly the plan of action going forward by reflective listening. Going over the care plan every time with the adult. Check what role any child is taking on and what education they have.” Sarah, Chiswick

My advice would be recognising the difference, respect that difference and work with that difference to safeguard the rights of the child and the rights of the parent"

“Know exactly to what extent the disabilities affect the parent or parents, what impact this has on the child or children and what can be done for the family as a whole to assist enhancement of their quality of life.” Stewart, Dundee

“I would advise for the person to listen to the parent’s views and try to encourage them to maintain an independence outside of the home environment.” Eileen, Birmingham

“To approach the LD specialist social worker and specific charities and research.” Audrey, Halton

“Carry out a PAMS assessment. Look for strengths not weakness.” Henrietta, Nigeria

“Find out who the parents communicate with and how they do this, and learn this way of communicating. In the meantime, try symbols pictures social stories.” Lynda, Hertfordshire

“To gain as much of a support network as possible for the family.” Linda, North Wales

“Get to know and understand how this affects the individual and look for ways to support them.” Jude, London

“PAMS assessment to identify what specialised support is required to allow that parent to be the very best parent to their child and for that to be 'good enough'. Recognition that sometimes, the limitation is such that they just can't do it and that is not discriminatory. You shouldn't be scared to highlight that they are incapable of making the necessary changes if it is evident that they're unlikely to be able to do so, as the child must remain the focus.” Natalie, Berkshire

“Not to patronise, to listen, be imaginative & never dismiss their views.” Marion, Mansfield

“Utilise the plethora of expertise that is available for advice and consultancy. Create an appropriate environment for assessment using a variety of mediums other than a word-based assessment. Be creative with the resources that are available and utilise the friends and family network to create a team around the child.” Julia, Leeds

“Depends on what advice is required but maintain unconditional positive regard and offer appropriate support to maintain the family. Recognise the strengths don’t promote the weakness.” Verity, Bexley

“Be patient! Consider their capacity as well as their functioning, then enable them to make decisions that may appear unwise, as long as they understand the risks.” Edwina, Doncaster

“Ensure that the resources are tailored to individual and make sure that the family are not deemed as tag on but be part of the plan from the outset, it is key that the approach should be from a holistic structure.” Rose, Telford

“Motivate the parent by letting them know disability does not mean their inability to care for their child(ren). Assure them that support will be made available to help them care for their children.” Joseph, Rugby