The experiences of parents in supporting their son or daughter with intellectual disability to learn about dying and death

Background People with intellectual disability have a limited understanding of dying and death. The role of parents in developing the understanding of their son or daughter with intellectual disability about these concepts is unclear. This study aimed to explore parental experiences when talking with their son or daughter with intellectual disability about dying and death. Method Four participants were interviewed about how they discussed dying and death with their son or daughter with intellectual disability. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the findings. Results Parents did more than talk to their son or daughter about death; they involved them in dying and death experiences. Parents’ motivations influenced the way they included their son or daughter in these experiences. Conclusions The parents played an important role in providing learning experiences for their son or daughter with intellectual disability about dying and death.