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 inorder to reveal the perceptions of parents of children with disabilities regarding the severityof disability, generally focus on the main points such as problem behaviors, social adaptation, and language and communication skills. In this research, semi-structured interviewswere performed with 8 parents in order to reveal the perceptions regarding the severity ofdisability. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed through content analysis method.As a result of the analysis, occurring themes regarding the severity of disability perceivedby 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 therelated literature.