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AbstractBackgroundFor people with intellectual disabilities (ID), social networks play a key role in facilitating social inclusion, health, and quality of life. This study shows that a multi‐informant approach to collecting social network data improves our understanding of the social worlds of people with Down Syndrome (DS).MethodA mixed methods egocentric network approach was employed to investigate 27 dyads comprised of people with DS and their family members as proxy reporters to examine variability in network characteristics across self‐ and proxy reports.ResultsThe self‐reported total network size of people with DS was significantly smaller than the network size based on proxy reports. Significant differences were found between self‐ and proxy‐reported networks with respect to most relationship groups. Proxy informants reported more "paid staff".ConclusionOur study showed that multiple perspectives on the social networks of people with DS are advantageous for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners.

Being embedded in social networks is crucial for well-being and health. While this is particularly the case for people with Down syndrome (DS), our knowledge of how their support networks are developed is limited. This article investigates the role of family members in developing and maintaining the social support networks of their adult children with DS. Based on 29 interviews with family members, a grounded theory study was conducted. The Family Building and Connecting (BAC) framework was developed, which distinguishes a "building" and a "connecting" approach. The building approach includes strategies that rely on family members and close friends for building a support network for the person with DS. The connecting approach includes strategies that connect the person with DS to external and often professional resources and services. Distinguishing these approaches is important for future research and for strengthening the support networks of people with DS and their families.

Ausgangslage -- Vom InnoFonds-Projekt zum Gesetzesentwurf -- Angebotsspektrum eines Gesundheitskioskes -- Personal im Gesundheitskiosk -- Zur Finanzierung eines Gesundheitskioskes -- Betreibermodelle von Gesundheitskiosken -- Der Gesundheitskiosk im Sozialraum -- Beispiele für Gesundheitskioske -- Ausblick.