A friendships and dating program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a formative evaluation.
A short community class grew social circles and cut violence for adults with ID/DD, and the gains stuck.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Capio et al. (2013) tested a 10-week community class called the Friendships and Dating Program. Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities met weekly to practice asking someone out, saying no, and staying safe.
Staff taught the skills with role-play, feedback, and homework. The team counted each adult’s social contacts and any violence reports before, after, and 10 weeks later.
What they found
Social circles grew. Interpersonal violence dropped. Both gains held 10 weeks after the class ended.
The study shows a short, low-cost program can create lasting friendships and safer relationships for adults with ID/DD.
How this fits with other research
Mandelberg et al. (2014) saw the same lasting boost in play-date invites for autistic children after parent-led friendship training. The pattern repeats: teach the skills, friendships follow.
English et al. (1995) looked at adults with developmental disabilities who lived on their own. Most had almost no contact with nondisabled neighbors. That sounds like a contradiction, but the adults in Capio et al. (2013) got lessons and coaching. The difference is support, not wishful thinking.
Raslear et al. (1992) first showed peer networks work in schools. Capio et al. (2013) moved the idea into the adult world and added dating safety.
Why it matters
You can copy this model. Partner with a local rec center or church. Run a 10-week class on asking someone to coffee, texting back, and spotting red flags. Track social contacts with a simple tally sheet. Expect bigger circles and fewer crisis calls. Adults with ID/DD deserve friends and safe romance—this gives you a road map.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Meaningful relationships with others are often elusive for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but no less desired for their full inclusion and participation in society. It is well documented that people with disabilities are victims of interpersonal violence at higher rates than peers without disabilities. This article presents a formative evaluation of the Friendships and Dating Program (FDP). The FDP was designed to teach the social skills needed to develop healthy, meaningful relationships and to prevent violence in dating and partnered relationships. Thirty-one adults were recruited by 5 community agencies in Alaska to participate. The results showed the size of the participants' social networks increased and the number of incidents of interpersonal violence was reduced for participants who completed the FDP, and outcomes were maintained 10 weeks later.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2013 · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-51.01.022