Positive perceptions in families of children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

There has been increasing recognition of the importance of asking more positive questions about the perceptions and experiences of families of children with developmental disabilities. However, this recognition has not yet had an observable impact on publication trends. Our aims in this paper were to review existing published research on the positive perceptions and experiences of family members and propose a working model for further study of families' positive perceptions. This model is based on the hypothesis that positive perceptions function as strategies that help families adapt to or cope with the experiences of raising a child with disabilities. Throughout the discussion, we identify some questions for future research and address some implications for practice.