Needs of Chinese Parents of Children with Developmental Disability

Abstract

Parenting children with developmental disability requires specialized caring skills and knowledge. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of Chinese parents in caring for these children. The focus group research approach was adopted. Twenty-three parents of children hospitalized with developmental disability from a Maternal and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China participated in four focus group interviews. Validity of interpretation was ascertained. Inter-coder reliability was established with inter-coder agreement at 0.77. Data were fully transcribed, coded and analysed by content analysis. Eventually, five categories of needs were identified: parental, informational, attitude towards the child, coping and support. Parents needed to be equipped with practical parenting skills and information on developmental disability, and they needed to have realistic expectations for the child. They also needed professional support to cope with caring tasks and activities. Education is recommended as a fundamental strategy to enhance parents’ caring competency.