Navigating the Path of Acceptance: Parents' Journey towards Embracing a Disability in Their Children A Grounded Theory Perspective

Main Article Content

Shiju K.K
K.Sabukuttan
Aleena Treesa Joy

Keywords

disability, parental acceptance, support, challenges, grounded theory

Abstract

Accepting a disability in children is a profound and transformative journey that parents embark upon when faced with the reality of their child's condition. It is a multifaceted process that involves understanding and coming to terms with the disability, adjusting expectations, seeking support, and advocating for their child's needs. By embracing a new perspective and creating a nurturing environment, parents pave the way for acceptance, growth, and an inclusive future for their child. This paper explores the challenges and complexities in detail that parents encounter as they navigate this path towards acceptance.

Abstract 321 | PDF Downloads 280

References

1. Baker, J. K., Seltzer, M. M., & Greenberg, J. S. (2019). Longitudinal effects of adaptability on behavior problems and maternal depression in families of adolescents with autism. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(2), 125-134.
2. Barnes, J., & Mercer, G. (2019). Empowering parents of children with disabilities: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(2), 277-292.
3. Brown, I., Alberman, E., McIntyre, S., & Percy, C. (2021). Ten years on: A follow-up study of families of children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 9(2), 43-45.
4. Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing Grounded Theory. Sage.
5. Davis, R., Caddock, L., & George, S. (2020). Family experiences of support in the early years after childhood acquired brain injury: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Child: Care, Health and Development, 46(5), 605-616.
6. Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine.
7. Gupta, A., & Singhal, N. (2021). Parental acceptance of disability in children: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 12(1), 56-61.
8. Hastings, R. P., Kovshoff, H., Brown, T., Ward, N. J., Espinosa, F. D., & Remington, B. (2020). Coping strategies and the impact of challenging behaviors on parental mental health in parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 64(8), 602-613.
9. Johnson, A. M., & Williams, B. L. (2018). Parental perceptions of children's autism diagnoses: The influence of child age and ethnicity. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 412-420.
10. Johnson, C., Robertson, S., Bertoncello, K., Stewart, A., Macleod, R., Brown, N., ... & Stenning, K. (2023). Parents' experiences of autism assessment and diagnosis for their child: A qualitative study. Autism, 27(2), 301-315.
11. Jones, J., Williams, T., Wilson, J., & Ghandour, R. (2020). Parent experiences of managing child behavior problems in Autism: Associations with parental mental health and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(5), 1722-1734.
12. Lewis, L., Ortega, A. D., Horney, M. A., & Pellerito, S. (2020). Parents’ perceptions of personal empowerment and child and family outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(3), 595-615.
13. Lopez, M. E., & Willis, L. A. (2021). Supporting families of children with disabilities: An examination of caregiver burden and empowerment. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), 119-129.
14. Miller, S. M., & Condon, E. M. (2020). Denial in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(1), 197-207.
15. Rashid, M., Hussain, S. A., Khan, M. A., Hameed, W., & Imran, A. (2018). Parental acceptance of child’s disability: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 39, 42-47.
16. Smith, C. E., & Johnson, L. J. (2019). Navigating the journey of acceptance: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 45, 9-14.
17. Smith, L. E., Barker, E. T., & Seltzer, M. M. (2020). Developmental understanding of genetic testing results for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(1), 214-224.
18. Thompson, R. J., Gustafson, K. E., Campbell, L., & Lee, L. (2021). Socioemotional competence in children with autism: Longitudinal associations with parent mental health and family functioning. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(4), 1215-1226.
19. Verma, S., & Sharma, S. (2020). Parental advocacy for inclusive education of children with disabilities: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 11(9), 1186-1191.
20. Wang, L. H., & Wong, W. S. (2022). The role of gratitude and mindfulness in the mental health of parents of children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(3), 886-897.