Social Risk Factors

People with intellectual disability may not be able to access the community to meet friends and go to work. This can limit the number and range of supports an individual may have, leading to a limited range of activities, low quality of life and social isolation. Families may not come to terms with their grief regarding an individual’s intellectual disability, the loss experienced and resulting limitations. This can lead to depression, increased social isolation, rejection or over protection. High levels of expressed emotion may be seen in families and residential units and this is associated with the relapse of mental illness. People with intellectual disability can be vulnerable to domestic abuse when they live in residential units with other people who have significant problems, for example, with aggression.  There may be limited choice regarding where and with whom an individual can live, and people with intellectual disability may not be involved in such decisions. People with intellectual disability can be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in the community. People with intellectual disability experience high rates of abuse, in all forms.
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