People with intellectual and developmental disabilities face difficulties in participating on equal terms and have few opportunities to make decisions about their own lives. This situation is even more pronounced for women, especially when it comes to certain decisions, such as starting a family or having children.

This study explores the practices that, in interactions with support or caregiving figures, either facilitate or hinder the exercise of autonomy of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on sexual and reproductive aspects.

It is a qualitative and participatory study that will include an advisory group of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who will act as Experts by Experience and will validate the study’s findings.

The final product will be a Guide to Caring Interactions for the promotion of autonomy, aimed at both women with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their support or caregiving figures.

Principal investigator: Constanza López