Background: Parents with learning disabilities report facing a widely held 'presumption of incompetence', placing them under pressure to prove their parenting competence. In collaboration with a learning disability theatre company, an inclusive research methodology explored experiences of parenting with learning disabilities, with a specific focus on the operation of stigma in parents' lives.
Method: Interviews with 17 mothers and 5 fathers who self-identified as having learning disabilities were co-facilitated by learning-disabled co-researchers, and analysed using thematic analysis, with input from people with learning disabilities.
Results: Thematic analysis generated four key themes; (1) positions of powerlessness, (2) assumptions of incompetence, (3) challenging assumptions and proving competence and (4) claiming power.
Conclusion: Parents reported experiencing stigma and disempowerment within their networks, yet continued to embrace their valued parental identity and drew strength from involvement with self-advocacy organisations. The research informed arts-based performance pieces and resources aimed at training professionals and raising public awareness.
Keywords: inclusive research; intellectual/learning disabilities; parenting; qualitative; thematic analysis.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.