How do young people with intellectual disability define who they are?

How do young people with intellectual disability see themselves? A small, qualitative study asked eight individuals to share their life stories. The researchers used a method called Life Story Work to explore identity. The stories revealed something powerful: these young people defined themselves as sons, daughters, friends, and individuals with interests and values. Their intellectual disability was a part of their story, but it wasn't the main character. Instead, it was a dimension of their identity that showed up in certain contexts, like when facing social stigma or other people's attitudes. The narratives showed an ongoing negotiation between how they saw themselves and how the world sometimes saw them. Family relationships and a strong sense of belonging were central to building a positive sense of self. The study describes identity as a dynamic process, shaped by life's transitions. It's important to note this was a small, exploratory study with only eight participants. The findings are descriptive and can't be generalized to everyone. They show association, not cause. But they highlight the value of listening to personal stories to understand identity from the inside out, rather than relying on labels from the outside.