Adults with an Intellectual Disability: Australian Practitioners' Perspectives

Abstract

Australian occupational therapy practice for adult clients with an intellectual disability was explored through a series of focus group discussions with practitioners. The recorded transcripts from these groups were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. From this analysis four beginning propositions about practice were developed. First, that occupational therapists act as advocates for their adult clients with an intellectual disability; second, that therapists consider occupational therapy a specific contribution to enhancing client “quality of life;” third, that occupational therapy is practiced as part of an interdisciplinary team; and, finally, that there are some limitations to practice in the team setting. The relevance and implications of these propositions for practice and further study are discussed.