A model of well‐being for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Parental perceptions of functioning, services, and support. (18th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ritzema, A. M.; Lach, L. M.; Nicholas, D.; Sladeczek, I. E.
• Is Part Of: Child care health and development. Volume 44:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2017-12-18
• Subjects: child function -- child well‐being -- neurodevelopmental disorders -- supports and services; Child development -- Periodicals; Child care -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Children with disabilities -- Periodicals; 155.405
• DOI: 10.1111/cch.12541
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-1862

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Both child function and supports and services have been found to impact the well‐being of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The relationship between function and services and the well‐being of children with NDD is less well‐understood and is important to clarify in order to effect program and service change. Methods: The current project assessed whether child function as well as the adequacy of formal supports and services provided to children and their families were predictive of child well‐being. Well‐being was assessed using a measure of quality of life developed for use with children with NDD. Data from 234 parents were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results: Each predictor was found to load significantly on the overall outcome variable of well‐being. Parent concerns about child function were significantly related to child well‐being; parents who reported more concerns about their children's functioning reported lower levels of child well‐being. Unmet needs for formal supports and services were also significantly related to child well‐being; parents who reported that more of their children's and family's service needs were unmet reported lower child well‐being. An indirect relationship was also found between child function and child well‐being. When parents reported that their formal support needs were adequately met, their children's functional difficulties had a lower impact on parent perceptions of their children's overall well‐being. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of the current study enrich our understanding of well‐being for children with NDD. Discussion focuses on the service implications for children with NDD and their families.