‘They Got It’: How professionals can support the emotional wellbeing of parents of a child with a learning disability, or who are autistic.

Abstract

Studies suggest that parents of children with a learning disability or who are autistic (i.e., parent carers) are at greater risk of poorer mental health. Several models and interventions have been utilised to support parent carer wellbeing; few have asked parents themselves what they find helpful. Furthermore, there is limited information for practitioners supporting this group. An interpretive phenomenological study explored emotional wellbeing with 17 parent carers. Themes were developed using Template analysis. Participants reported myriad factors that helped their wellbeing that were developed into three broad themes: i) Relationship with others ii) Protecting their sense of self, and iii) Managing the ongoing emotional rollercoaster. Participants also identified ways in which professionals could better support their wellbeing including: providing a safe reflective space, flexibility of support and awareness of the parents’ context (e.g., disability awareness; the systems around the child). Flexibility included offering online appointments and enabling parents to ‘dip in and out’ of counselling at key points in the child’s life. Furthermore, the breadth of wellbeing strategies identified by participants suggests that an integrative approach may be best placed for ongoing support of parent carer wellbeing.