Families' perspectives and experiences in using the F-words for Child Development in daily life and services

Building on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, the "F-words for Child Development" (Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future) provide a holistic, strengths-based perspective on child development and have been adopted by many organizations. This study explores family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, uses, and perceived barriers and facilitators to using the F-words to support their children's habilitation.

Family caregivers receiving services from four Canadian children's developmental and rehabilitation service organizations completed an online survey with Likert-scaled and open-ended questions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and through content analysis, respectively.

Findings show families (N = 58) are supportive of the F-words and value their holistic, strengths-based, and family-centred approach. They also face barriers using the F-words including limited F-words knowledge, mixed attitudes (e.g., preference for biomedical approach), and practical challenges within their respective organization. To facilitate use, family caregivers identified direct support is needed from service providers and organizations.

Families value the F-words but may face barriers, limiting their use. Implementation should prioritize family-facing strategies (e.g., co-designed tools used with families in services) and consistent integration across health care services, education, and community settings.