Military families with young children with disabilities: Families’ and providers’ perceptions
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Sands, M. M., McGuire, S. N., Meadan, H., DiPietro-Wells, R., & Hacker, R. E. (2023). Military families with young children with disabilities: Families’ and providers’ perceptions. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 64 (3rd Quarter), 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2023.01.013
Abstract Created by REACH:
This qualitative study examined the experiences of 6 military mothers (i.e., spouses and Service members) of children with disabilities and 12 community-based service providers who work with military children with disabilities (e.g., speech language pathologists, occupational therapists). Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted to investigate these families’ needs and recommendations for improving care, especially during transitions. Overall, 3 themes emerged that captured the experiences of military families and service providers.
Focus:
Children
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Military families
Child of a service member or veteran
Civilian
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Sands, Michelle M., McGuire, Stacy N., Meadan, Hedda, DiPietro-Wells, Robyn, Hacker, Rebecca E.
Abstract:
Active duty military families have unique life experiences that can affect individual members and also the family as a whole. While many benefits to the military lifestyle exist, previous research has described how children of active duty military families may also be more at-risk for emotional and academic difficulties as a result of parent absence, family stress or strain. For active duty military families who have children with disabilities, mobility and change can be especially stressful. However, limited research has been conducted to understand the experiences and perceptions of military families who have young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore (a) the experiences and needs of military families with young children with disabilities, and (b) the experiences and recommendations of early intervention professionals who work with young children with disabilities and their military families. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with six active duty military family members who have a children with disabilities, and focus groups were conducted with 12 early intervention service providers. Findings of the study include unique experiences and needs of military family members with young children with disabilities that have been highlighted in previous literature, as well as some unique findings specific to those receiving services under part of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
disability, early intervention, family, military, young child
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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