The Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities: Coping and Acceptance
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Authors
Panesar, Sharan
Issue Date
2025
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Developmental Disability , Acceptance , Meaning-Making , Coping , Resilience
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project uses a phenomenological literature review to explore how families who have a child with a developmental disability cope and find acceptance with the diagnosis. There is an emotional and structural shift that affects the family unit once they receive a diagnosis of their child having a developmental disability. This project draws on theoretical frameworks such as family systems theory, ecological systems theory, ambiguous loss theory, the meaning-making model, and the family resilience framework to examine the emotional, relational, and cultural dimensions within the family unit. Key findings highlight that acceptance is shaped through resiliency, meaning-making, cultural and spiritual values, and support systems. Gaps in the literature include a lack of support for siblings, culturally responsive practices, and families facing systemic barriers such as stigma and inadequate services. The family resilience and meaning-making support model is adapted as a strength-based, inclusive, and culturally informed model for practitioners to utilizing their services.
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess