Coping with a child with disabilities from the parents' perspective: the function of information

Fifteen semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 parents (n = 5 with both parents; n = 10 with mother only) of disabled children who had a range of physical and learning difficulties, to explore what information they had received about their child's disabilities, from whom and whether they had found it useful. Information needs were also explored. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, then analysed for content. The reasons for needing the information was examined for themes. Personal communication was the most frequently cited medium of information. Parents most frequently reported professionals as their source of information, but parents and voluntary organizations were also mentioned. Information was found to assist the process of adjusting emotionally to their child's disabilities, to enable parents to access services and benefits, and to improve their management of their child's behaviour. Parents' comments indicated that information was usually useful, but occasionally of mixed benefit.