Being a parent with learning difficulties: an exploratory study of parents’ views and experiences of local support services

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Athwal, Sabreen (2012). Being a parent with learning difficulties: an exploratory study of parents’ views and experiences of local support services. University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

The aim of the present study is to explore the lived experiences and opinions of parents with LD in order to inform policy and practice in Newtown Local Authority. The goal is to improve the lives of parents with LD and to instill confidence within this group.

Working within a critical realist paradigm, I adopted a case study design and conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of four parents. Qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews were analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

The main findings were that parents’ experiences and views on the support they had received were heavily influenced by their relationships with support service practitioners, time spent with families by support workers, parents’ ability to access information and parents’ feeling valued and their opinions acknowledged. The findings suggest a need for improved family-centred planning by support service practitioners and for professionals to be provided with the resources needed to develop positive working relationships with parents with LD. I conclude by reflecting on the implications of these findings on the practice of support service practitioners and on the role of Educational Psychologists.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):