BACKGROUND: For occupational therapy to be meaningful for all families who have a child with a developmental disability, the profession needs to consider and integrate into practice alternative and more inclusive epistemologies. A greater understanding and respect of a First Nations worldview may help reduce the risk of inadvertently perpetuating oppression and assimilation. PURPOSE: To describe raising a child with a developmental disability from the perspective of five members of the Lil'wat Nation. METHODS: Data were obtained from in-depth interviews and analysed using a constant comparative approach. FINDINGS: Within the category of family the subcategories identified were extensive support network, intergenerational learning and doing, and influence of the residential school system. Within the category of raising a child the subcategories identified were health and spirituality, causation beliefs, and a sense of knowing. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapists need to be cognizant of alternative worldviews on child rearing, family, and health that may differ significantly from their own personal and professional beliefs and practices.
BACKGROUND: For occupational therapy to be meaningful for all families who have a child with a developmental disability, the profession needs to consider and integrate into practice alternative and more inclusive epistemologies. A greater understanding and respect of a First Nations worldview may help reduce the risk of inadvertently perpetuating oppression and assimilation. PURPOSE: To describe raising a child with a developmental disability from the perspective of five members of the Lil'wat Nation. METHODS: Data were obtained from in-depth interviews and analysed using a constant comparative approach. FINDINGS: Within the category of family the subcategories identified were extensive support network, intergenerational learning and doing, and influence of the residential school system. Within the category of raising a child the subcategories identified were health and spirituality, causation beliefs, and a sense of knowing. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapists need to be cognizant of alternative worldviews on child rearing, family, and health that may differ significantly from their own personal and professional beliefs and practices.
Authors: Lindsay Wolfson; Nancy Poole; Melody Morton Ninomiya; Deborah Rutman; Sherry Letendre; Toni Winterhoff; Catherine Finney; Elizabeth Carlson; Michelle Prouty; Audrey McFarlane; Lia Ruttan; Lisa Murphy; Carmen Stewart; Lisa Lawley; Tammy Rowan Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-05-07 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Celina Antony; Madison Campbell; Stephanie Côté; Grant Bruno; Carolyn Tinglin; Jonathan Lai Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-09-15 Impact factor: 5.435