Research study into parenting a child with a disability

[Anamarija]

Dear parents,
I am a second year MA student in social sciences at Brunel University. I am conducting a research study into parenting a child with a disability. I am interested to find out what this experience is like for you. I would also like to find out how mothers' experiences compare to those of fathers.

If you are interested to find out more about the study and your potential participation please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Hi Anamarija, can I ask how your study defines 'a child with a disability'?

Is it defined by:
-Physical needs & the use of adaptations?
-Being in receipt of a disability benefit?
-Having a Statement of SEN?
-Being a blue badge holder?
-Being on School Action/School action +?

The definition of 'child with disability' that you use will impact greatly on your pool of study participants, I would think.

If you can answer that, I may be able to decide whether I am a suitable candidate for your study.

Have you run your request by MNHQ, by any chance? They might appreciate it, as generally these requests are posted in media/non-member requests, and attract a fee of £30.

I'd add that you're going to struggle to recruit dads. The difference between mums' and dads' experiences is often that the dad is able to pretend it isn't happening, at least to some extent. On that basis, not all of them will be enthusiastic participants in a study poking around into "what it is really like" - and those who participate enthusiastically may not be representative.

Contact a Family did research on this just recently--how will your research differ? They've used their findings to campaign for more benefits for parents of children with disabilities. How will your research benefit parents who participate in your work?

Hi Ana
Good luck with your research and your studies. What type of disability are you researching? I'll be happy to tell you about my experience if you post more specific questions.

Hi Ana,

People here won't be unwilling, but in general they will have questions before agreeing to participate.

Mine is 'What profession does your qualification lead you to? Social Work?'

Many of us would be motivated by the idea that your research will chip chip chip away and improve people's experiences.

Have you considered researching the difference between the experience of having a child with a disability and the daily life that that entails, and being forced into 'negotiations' with agencies you'd really rather have nothing to do with and the daily life that THAT entails!?

Will anyone EVER do any research into 'parenting a child with a disability when you are a disabled single parent'..... I don't fit into anyone's neat little tick boxes. . Just ask the DWP...

I blame bad genetics....

Llass What should the title of the thesis be?

How about : 'how not to go completely insane when dealing with the DWP'??? as a good starting point? . I actually had all 3 of my DC's before I was dxd with epilepsy, my youngest was 2 weeks old when i was dxd. OR how about : 'Parenting a child with disability/ies when dealing with disability/ies yourself'....And Riven, one Mac major is enough for me, although when DD has a bad seizure, I sometimes evict DS2, as he's (slightly) easier to carry. Why don't they do Mac major doubles?? (Or would it be because you'd need to be Geoff bloody Capes to push the thing??!!)

Difference between mums and dads in parenting a disabled child : Mums - learn all you can about DC's illness/condition/disability and generally wear yourself to the ground dealing with the day-to-day issues that arise because of it.

Dads - Either bury your head in the sand and pretend it's not happening, or that you could have produced a 'less than perfect' child OR do what mine did, and bugger off saying that 'all this isn't what I signed up for'...

Spot on Loudlass. My dh is fantastic at supporting me fight for my ds, but it is still me who is doing all the fighting, research and decision making. I still shoulder the responsibility, he just makes me tea whilst I do it!