Positive impact of children with developmental disabilities on their families: A preliminary study

There has been increasing recognition of the importance of asking more positive questions about perceptions and experiences of families of children with developmental disabilities. In the present study, 14 parents participated in an interview study and 33 parents responded to an electronic mail survey based on the interview. Parents were asked about the positive impact their child with disabilities had on themselves and the child's siblings and extended family. Results show that parents reported a range of positive perceptions and experiences for themselves and for other family members, and these were similar to categories identified in previous research. Furthermore, parents were generally found to have positive perceptions of the future for their child and their family. Implications for future family research and for family interventions are discussed.