A conceptual model of parenting children with disabilities

ABSTRACT Several studies and theoretical perspectives have examined the experience of raising a child with a disability. However, many of these studies and perspectives have not provided a comprehensive framework of the parenting process grounded in the perspectives of the parents themselves. In this qualitative study of 20 mothers and fathers (10 mother-father dyads) of children with disabilities (CWD), we conducted individual in-depth interviews investigating their parenting practices and experiences. Using open, axial, and selective coding procedures, we identified six main categories of responses including life history, child characteristics, worry and stress, formal social support, informal social support, and parenting behaviours. We propose a conceptual model which aims to illustrate the complex and nuanced nature of parenting CWD that is also broad enough to be applied in a variety of circumstances. We discuss the implications of this study in terms of research on families of CWD and the education and interventions available to them.