FAMILY NEEDS OF CHINESE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

Abstract

This dissertation presents the findings of a qualitative study examining needs of Chinese families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this dissertation is to inform the process of further developing the family support programs and opportunities that already exist in China and to assist in establishing best practices, as authorized by existing or proposed policy, through a qualitative explication of the family needs of Chinese families of children with IDD. Through focus group discussions and interviews, Chinese families expressed a vast array of needs. Three types of family needs emerged: (a) survival needs, (b) sufficiency needs, and (c) enhancement needs. Overall, this study develops a conceptual framework explaining the relationship among factors influencing family perceptions of their needs, family needs, and the resulting types of family support that are aligned with family needs and, ultimately, the delivery of family support to families. A discussion of the findings is provided and implications for practice, policy, and future research are discussed.