'I get by with a little help from my friends' : adults with intellectual disabilities discuss loneliness

Explored 'loneliness' as experienced by adults with intellectual disability, with 'intermittent' to 'limited' support needs. Piloted a measure of loneliness, and qualitative techniques used to develop a greater understanding of the participants' experience. Found the Loneliness Scale proved valid and reliable and the participants reported loneliness in ways comparable with the general population. Asserts the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to enhance understanding of people's perspective when developing support systems to promote their quality of life. Makes recommendations concerning the issues and types of support families and professionals could consider when seeking to assist people with intellectual disability address loneliness.