| Abstrakt: |
This paper details a qualitative study which examined the influence of the nature of children's disabilities on stigmatisation experienced by their parents. To explore stigmatisation, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 parents of children with a range of disabilities. Findings highlighted that differential treatment was experienced by all parents, regardless of the nature of their children's disabilities. However, the types of reactions from others were influenced by three key factors; visibility of the child's disability, evidence of behaviour deemed to be socially inappropriate, and perceived controllability of the disability. Parents of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties experienced intensely negative reactions from others, whilst other parents experienced much pity. The implications of these findings for policy and practice are considered, indicating that parents may be encountering stigma solely based on the nature of their children's disabilities. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of support outlets for parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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