EXPERIENCES OF PARENTS WITH CHILDREN HAVING LEARNING DISABILITIES AND/OR ADHD IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This interpretive phenomenological qualitative research study explored the psychological and emotional experiences of parents with children having specific learning disabilities in Pakistan. Focus group discussions with five parents were conducted on zoom. After the data collection from each of the participants was assessed, a cross-case production of the data was completed to develop a list of the themes common among the participants. The sub-themes and the themes originated from the codes are (1) Parents Challenges with the sub-themes of Parenting Style, Emotional Responses and Sufferings. (2). Support from Academia with the sub-themes of Relationship with the teachers, Financial Stress and Modifications in Assessments/ Examinations. The themes originated, after the focus group discussion with the five parents, contain the struggle of the parents of LD children in preparing them to do better academically and socially. The findings revealed that the parents with children having learning disabilities have a very challenging and demanding role as a parent. Their struggles and challenges are more exhausting emotionally, physically, and financially. Parents struggle to identify academic problems faced by children due to lack of awareness which adds to their struggle as well as the children. Parents are the primary caretakers and guardians and are responsible for the upbringing of their children. It is not easy being a parent, but the situation gets difficult when children are identified with learning disabilities.