The adaptation experience of families with children with developmental disabilities in Mainland China

ABSTRACT Background Families of children with developmental disabilities face extraordinary changes in their life circumstances and needs that require adaptations to create sustainable and meaningful daily routines. The present study explored the adaptation of Chinese families of children with developmental disabilities from an ecocultural theoretical perspective. Method A total of 34 families of children with developmental disabilities were interviewed using the adapted Family Life Interview, and the data were analysed thematically. Results The Chinese families put the needs of their child with developmental disabilities as their highest priority, sought to maintain family harmony, faced an unpredictable future, and experienced limited services to support their endeavours. Conclusion The findings stress the importance of having a deep understanding of the cultural and social contexts that impact the lives of families of children with developmental disabilities prior to developing family-centred interventions to assist families in their changed life circumstances.