Social isolation due to a disability is an all-too-common occurrence. Myriad social forces create an environment in which individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unable to connect with their peers. This can have lasting and severe consequences for their holistic health. To help you better serve your clients, we’ll delve into this problem and offer some guidance on how to address it.
Social isolation vs. loneliness
To understand the effect social isolation can have, we need to understand the difference between social isolation and loneliness and how they can affect each other.
The differentiation between social isolation and loneliness is:
- Social isolation is a lack of social connections.
- Loneliness is a subjective feeling of discomfort when an individual lacks the social connections they wish they had.
While these are two distinct conditions, social isolation can lead to loneliness. Loneliness, however, can occur among individuals who seemingly have some level of social connection. For example, a 2023 study found that 20% of people in large cities reported “a lot of loneliness,” while 12% of the rural population reported these feelings.
These conditions are about more than a lack of social connections, however, and can lead to serious health risks.
Effects of social isolation on holistic health
Social isolation, characterized by a lack of meaningful social interactions, poses significant risks to holistic health, affecting various aspects of well-being. One of the most profound impacts is on mental health. Individuals experiencing social isolation often face increased rates of depression and anxiety. The absence of supportive social networks can amplify feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, leading to a heightened risk of developing mood disorders. Studies have shown that isolated individuals are more susceptible to depressive episodes and anxiety, as they lack the emotional support and coping mechanisms that social connections typically provide.
Cognitive health is another area profoundly impacted by social isolation. Research indicates that a lack of social engagement is linked to a higher risk of dementia. Social interaction stimulates cognitive function and helps maintain mental agility. Without regular engagement, the brain may experience accelerated cognitive decline. Isolated individuals often have fewer opportunities for mental stimulation. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that social isolation is associated with a 50% increase in one’s risk of developing dementia.
Additionally, the effects of social isolation extend to physical health, particularly cardiovascular health. Chronic loneliness has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, researchers have found that social isolation and loneliness can lead to a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke. In an interview with the American Medical Association (AMA), one doctor stated:
“There’s something to be said about the broken heart — literally and figuratively speaking. If you’re already feeling lonely, that’s going to impact your heart. If you’re feeling socially isolated, that’s going to impact your heart.”
While these health effects of loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone, they become compounded among individuals living with a disability.
Social isolation among individuals with IDD
Social isolation is a significant concern for individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). People with IDD often face increased loneliness compared to their peers. Research has shown individuals living with disabilities are twice as likely as other populations to experience social isolation and loneliness.
One major factor contributing to this increased loneliness is the inaccessibility of environments for socialization. Many public spaces and social activities are not designed with the needs of individuals with IDD in mind, which limits their ability to participate fully in community life. This lack of accessibility not only restricts physical access but can also lead to feelings of exclusion and marginalization.
Another critical factor is the limited availability of tailored socialization opportunities. Programs and activities that cater to the unique needs of people with IDD, such as jobs, social clubs, or specialized education groups, are often scarce or non-existent. This shortage of inclusive social activities can significantly reduce meaningful social interactions, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Social isolation among those with IDD is further exacerbated by societal attitudes and stigmatization. Negative perceptions and misconceptions about IDD can lead to social exclusion and discrimination, further isolating these individuals from their peers. This stigma can discourage people with IDD from seeking out social opportunities or participating in community activities, reinforcing their isolation.
How to help those you serve make social connections
Addressing social isolation in individuals with IDD requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing accessibility in public spaces, creating inclusive programs and activities, and challenging societal attitudes are crucial steps toward reducing loneliness and fostering a more inclusive community.
This underscores the importance of community inclusion practices. Community inclusion — the ability to live and engage in the community just like everyone else — leads to greater presence, participation, and overall well-being.
How can you effectively promote community inclusion? Here are some key principles to consider:
- Choice: Involve individuals with IDD in every step of the process, allowing them to make decisions based on their personal preferences and self-determination.
- Responsibility: Support individuals in their efforts to explore new activities, learn from their experiences, and persist despite challenges.
- Cultural compatibility: Recognize and respect each person’s cultural values, worldviews, and roles. Tailor community inclusion efforts to align with these cultural norms.
- Natural supports: Foster and maintain relationships that typically exist in a person’s life, such as those with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. For individuals with IDD, maintaining these connections can be challenging, so it is crucial to assist them in developing and sustaining these natural supports.
Incorporating these principles into community inclusion strategies will help individuals with IDD achieve greater autonomy and a stronger connection to their community.
