Abstract
Parents deal with a number of stressors and emotions while caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Finding accurate support and services can be challenging, and some parents do not receive services that they find helpful. While there is research around social services for children with IDD, the researchers found a gap in the literature regarding parents and their perceptions, experiences, and needs.
This grounded theory qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities both in general and regarding services in the state of Maine. We conducted in depth interviews with three parents caring for children with IDD and analyzed transcripts of in-person interviews using coding and constant comparison of major themes. This study may help inform future social work practice with families with children with IDD. This research could also inform policies in Maine around access to services for IDD.
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Social Work
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Faculty Mentor
Jennifer First, PhD
Open Access?
1
Experiences of Parents with Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Parents deal with a number of stressors and emotions while caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Finding accurate support and services can be challenging, and some parents do not receive services that they find helpful. While there is research around social services for children with IDD, the researchers found a gap in the literature regarding parents and their perceptions, experiences, and needs.
This grounded theory qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities both in general and regarding services in the state of Maine. We conducted in depth interviews with three parents caring for children with IDD and analyzed transcripts of in-person interviews using coding and constant comparison of major themes. This study may help inform future social work practice with families with children with IDD. This research could also inform policies in Maine around access to services for IDD.
