Phenomenological Representation of Challenges and Coping Strategies of Parents Facing Children with Specific Learning Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

Objective: is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, poses numerous challenges and problems not only for children but also for their parents. The present study aimed to explore and represent the lived experiences of parents of children with specific learning disorders..
Methods: This research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. The study population consisted of all parents of children with Specific learning disorder in Tehran. A purposive sampling method was used, through which 13 parents of children with Specific learning disorder, who were referred to the Knowledge-based Psychology and Rehabilitation Clinic, were selected as participants, considering the principle of data saturation. The research instrument was semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method.
Findings: The research findings were categorized into three axes: identifying the challenges and problems of parents of children with specific learning disabilities (4 main themes and 26 sub-themes); identifying and presenting effective strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of parents of children with specific learning disabilities main themes and 20 sub-themes); and the axis of hope and outlook for the future (1 main theme and 2 sub-themes were categorized.).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that designing and implementing targeted support programs based on the proposed solutions is essential to enhance their quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that targeted support programs based on the proposed solutions be designed and implemented to improve the quality of life and reduce the challenges and difficulties faced by parents of children with learning disabilities.