Autonomy support for people with an intellectual disability
In the light of the functional self-determination theory (fSDT) and self-determination theory (SDT), this article aims to provide an overview of research on the development of self-determination of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). A specific type of support, autonomy support (AS), is proposed by SDT as a way to promote the self-determination of this population. Even if, contrary to fSDT, SDT is not a theory specialized in ID, it is very relevant because it specifies what are the characteristics of the social context that foster the development of self-determination and adjustment of the person; a neglected aspect of research conducted within fSDT. SDT is a theory of motivation and personality that is particularly interested in the characteristics of the social environment favoring self-determination and adjustment of the individual. First, the authors present fSDT studies on the effects of interventions aimed at developing self-determination. It shows that fSDT focuses on developing skills and attitudes to become more self-determined. The authors then present autonomy support and studies on its benefits. Then, SDT and fSDT are compared and contrasted with each other to demonstrate their differences and complementarity. Finally, the authors suggest future research directions and conclude that autonomy support would be an additional means of intervention that can be used by socializing agents to facilitate the development of self-determination and adjustment of individual with an ID.