914 by their functional competence and independent conduct. Today, at least at the level of declaration, there is an understanding that adulthood of people with IDD can also provide an opportunity to move from one-sided dependence on others, to a life with greater autonomy, even in situations where the individual did not reach full functional independence. In practice many adults with IDD report that they continue to be treated as children, who cannot make decisions regarding their own lives, and often they are not even partners to the decisions that are made about them. Accordingly, in most of the crossroads that people with IDD describe in their life journey as adults they are preoccupied with two main issues. One revolves around the dependent relationship with their parents who are weakening, aging and finally passing away. The second revolves around themselves and the changes that are made in their living arrangements. However, in one other area of life, adults with IDD describe a different kind of experience in their lives as adults- that of couple relationships. Here, in contrast to the other areas, a 'window of opportunity' for personal and autonomous expression is evident. Couple relationships are perceived by them as a unique and multidimensional relationship. Their descriptions of the relationship are similar to descriptions found in the general population, and it is evident that the relationship has a positive effect on their quality of life and self-image.
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