'I Wanted to Come Here Because of My Child': Stories of Migration Told by Turkish-Speaking Families Who Have a Son or Daughter with Intellectual Disabilities

BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in the experiences and social barriers experienced by people with intellectual disabilities from ethnic minorities, the specific challenges associated with migration from abroad faced by these individuals and their families have been overlooked. This research focuses on narratives told by Turkish-speaking families about migrating to the UK with a family member with intellectual disabilities.

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with five Turkish-speaking families who have a son or daughter with an intellectual disability and had migrated to the UK. Interviews were analysed using narrative analysis.

RESULTS: Seeking help for the person with intellectual disabilities in a new country was a central part of migration narratives. The family member with intellectual disabilities was described as being caught up in wider geo-political conflicts. Families continued to face challenges within their own communities and with accessing local services.

CONCLUSIONS: Eliciting narratives about families' migration to their new homes can provide professionals with important information about family experiences of trauma and clarify hopes and expectations regarding service provision.