‘I Get by with a Little Help from my Friends’: Adults with Intellectual Disability Discuss Loneliness¹

Background This study explored ‘loneliness’ as experienced by adults with intellectual disability, with ‘intermittent’ to ‘limited’ support needs. Method A measure of loneliness was piloted, and qualitative techniques used to develop a greater understanding of the participants’ experience. Results The Loneliness Scale proved valid and reliable and the participants reported loneliness in ways comparable with the general population. Conclusions...