Service adequacy and the relation between child behavior problems and negative family impact reported by primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental conditions. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gardiner, Emily; Miller, Anton R.; Lach, Lucyna M.
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 104(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Neurodevelopmental disorder/disability -- Supports and services -- Family impact -- Behavior problems; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Highlights: The link between child behavior problems and negative family impact is established. Child and family service inadequacy emerged as partial mediators of the association. Child and family service inadequacy did not moderate the relationship. Families of those with NDD/D need support, irrespective of behavior problem severity. Supports serving both the child and family are critical. Abstract: Background: Raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder or disability (NDD/D) presents unique challenges to the family, and presence of behavior problems has been identified as a critical risk factor for a broad range of family outcomes. Aims: The current study examines whether caregivers' perceptions of child and family service adequacy mediate or moderate the relation between children's behavioral difficulties and negative family impact. Methods and procedures: Caregivers provided data for 215 children with NDD/D (M = 8.16 years), completing measures of child behavior problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), perceived child and family service inadequacy (Supports and Services Questionnaire), and family impact (Family Impact of Childhood Disability Scale). Outcomes and results: Both child and family service inadequacy partially mediated, but did not moderate the association between child behavior problems and perceived negative family impact. Conclusions and implications: The current study highlights that all families of children with NDD/D are in need of support, irrespective of the severity of their child's behavioral difficulties. Furthermore, the findings reinforce that access to a range of supports serving both the child and family is critical to ameliorating negative perceptions regarding the impact of a child's disability on family life.