Severity of disability and parental perception: A qualitative investigation

Abstract

In this study, the perceptions of parents ofchildren with developmental disabilities regarding the severity of disability were tried to be revealed. The studies, which are conducted in order to reveal the perceptions of parents of children with disabilities regarding the severity of disability, generally focus on the main points such as problem behaviors, social adaptation, and language and communication skills. In this research, semi-structured interviews were performed with 8 parents in order to reveal the perceptions regarding the severity of disability. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed through content analysis method. As a result of the analysis, occurring themes regarding the severity of disability perceived by the parents of children with developmental disabilities consist of learning and success, social interaction and adaptation, language and communication, problem behavior, physical difficulties and daily living skills. The obtained findings were discussed in line with the related literature.