Support systems for people with developmental disabilities : experiences of grandparents and psychologists

Grandparents are an important source of family support for parents of children with Developmental Disability (DD). The appropriate amount of grandparent support may improve parental adjustment and can therefore lead to better quality of care for their grandchildren. Given the increasing life expectancy and its impact on grandparental capacity to support their families, a review of new knowledge in this area is needed. This meta-synthesis encompassed qualitative research of grandparental experience of a child with DD. A systematic literature search identified 11 studies which were synthesised thematically. Three analytical themes emerged: Adjustment, Blessing and a Curse, and Components to Involvement. Adjustment detailed grandparental journey of adaptation following the birth of a child with DD into the family and comprised three themes: Reactions to Disability, Loss and Double Burden. Blessing and a Curse analytical theme described grandparenting a child with DD as both rewarding and challenging, and comprised of Rewards of Grandparenting a Child with DD and Challenges of DD. Components to Involvement analytical theme identified a number of facilitators to grandparental involvement in supporting their family and encompassed two themes: Grandparent-Parent Relationship and Social Factors. Implications: Grandparents have their own support needs. They require access to information regarding their grandchild's care. To improve family functioning it may be beneficial for clinicians and educators to promote grandparental involvement in supporting their families.