Journal on Developmental Disabilities

The Journal on Developmental Disabilities is a peer-reviewed journal with a growing regional and international readership.

Volume 12 Number 1 Supplement 2	other issues
Down Syndrome	Editors Table of Contents Editorial Articles Mental Imagery in Persons With Intellectual Disability Delay of Gratification Playground Dynamics A Phenomenographic Study on Parenting Community Perceptions of Down Syndrome
Parenting a Child With Down Syndrome: A Phenomenographic Study Esther Joosa and Donna Berthelsen
Abstract In this study, mothers' experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome are explored. The research employed a phenomenographic methodology. Interviews were conducted with five mothers who had a child with Down syndrome between the ages of three to eight years. The study was conducted in Singapore. Six qualitatively different aspects of the parenting experience are identified. The findings show, despite an immense impact on family life, the mothers did not view their situation in a negative way. Their resilience was evident, although they reported that significant adjustments were made. While the sample size in this exploratory study is small, the findings provide a new understanding about parenting a child with Down syndrome within a particular cultural context. download article >>

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Parenting a Child With Down Syndrome: A Phenomenographic Study