From Diagnosis to Coping: A Journey with Parents in the Course of the Disability of Their Children

The aim of this study was to examine parent's experiences, expectations, and needs regarding service providers and their roles in the process of copping with a child with a disability. A qualitative phenomenological method has been selected for this study. Nine parents of children with variety of disabilities including children with cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism were purposefully selected and semi-structured in-depth interview were conducted. Interviews records were transcribed and analyzed using Van Manen's method. Findings were classified in four domains as experienced and perceived by the participants of the study: medical, consoling, rehabilitation, and education services. Problems accessing information were due to interpersonal relationship skills, early diagnosis, and frank and honest communication. Consoling are two folds support and education. In rehabilitation promote (progress) of child's function, to possible of observation and comparison with other children with similar situation, and attitude of therapists were emerged. Education included: present and future. Findings indicate that the families are faced with ongoing challenges when receiving professional services. These findings revealed that early diagnosis and intervention, empathic relationships, and appropriate consultation will help the parents better cope with their children disabilities and become more positively involved in the care and development of their children with a disability.