Caregivers' expectations of future learning of dependents with a developmental disability

Attitudes and expectations of caregivers affect the development of children, including those with a developmental disability. The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' expectations of their dependent with a developmental disability and caregiver attributions in relation to these expectations. Primary caregivers (N = 35) were interviewed about their expectations and attributions related to the dependents' achievements. Expectations were measured by the Predictive Adaptive Ability Questionnaire (PAAQ). Expectations were significantly predicted by the degree of developmental delay and number of handicaps. Caregivers expected less of dependents who had a lower developmental age/chronological age ratio than for dependents whose developmental level more closely approximated the chronological age. Results suggest that nurses should assess caregivers' expectations for the future development of their dependent with a developmental disability and the basis for those expectations.