Barriers of Performance in Activities of Daily Living, Academic and Social Functioning for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability : parental perspectives.

Abstract

Background: Cultural diversity significantly influences the barriers to being involved in the daily activities of individuals with a range of disabilities. In Bangladesh, children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are experiencing numerous barriers in their everyday lives, including difficulties in activities of daily living, academic and social participation, which are context dependent. It is essential to comprehend these obstacles and their overcoming strategies from the perspective of parents to establish support strategies and intervention which succeed. Aim: This study aimed to explore the parent’s perception regarding the potential barriers of performance while engaging in activities of daily living, academic and social functioning of children and adolescents with ID and generate the overcoming strategies. Methods: The methodological framework of this thesis was conducted as a grounded theory approach in a qualitative research design. Participants were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview was conducted among 11 parents of children and adolescents with ID from three different organizations in Bangladesh. To get this specific number of participants, the data saturation procedure was used. The grounded theory method was used to analyse and transcribe the data. Result: Barriers were identified and described through five themes, including 1) Attitudinal barriers; 2) Physical barriers; 3) Financial barriers; 4) Institutional barriers and 5) Communication barriers. The sixth theme describes the overcoming strategies through three sub-themes, including 1) Awareness and advocacy; 2) Therapeutic support and other interventions; 3) educational reforms. Conclusion: In the context of Bangladesh, the results of this study provide insight into significant barriers that impact children and adolescents with ID's involvement in ADL, academic performance, and social functioning. Increasing awareness and advocacy, appropriate intervention and educational reform could be an important method of improving participation by minimizing barriers. Keywords: Barriers, Performance, Activities of daily living, Academic functioning, Social functioning, Children, Adolescents, Intellectual disability.