“Over time it just becomes easier…”: Parents of people with Angelman syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome speak about their carer role

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Disability and Rehabilitation

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

School

School of Medical Sciences

RAS ID

25616

Comments

Thomson, A., Glasson, E., Roberts, P., & Bittles, A. (2017). "Over time it just becomes easier...": Parents of people with Angelman syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome speak about their carer role. Disability and Rehabilitation, 39(8), 763-770. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2016.1161838

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated two of the stresses experienced by parents caring for offspring with Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in Western Australia, and identified their coping strategies. Methods: Parents of 19 offspring with AS and PWS participated in the Family Stress and Coping Interview which provides a stress level score, and a discussion of stressors and coping methods associated with 24 life situations, two of which are reported. All text was examined using directed content analysis. Results: Family carers (14/19) reported high stress associated with the initial diagnosis of AS or PWS in their offspring; and finding time for themselves. Stressors identified included lack of quality information about the disorder, time constraints and physical and emotional tiredness. Parents adopted a variety of coping strategies, including learning about the disorder, accepting the situation, seeking instrumental and social supports and dealing with problems. Conclusions: No specific coping strategy was associated with reduced stress. However, parents felt that accurate and timely information during the diagnostic period helped. Parents used family and community support although there were difficulties accessing respite care. It is advised that government agencies, service providers, family members and peer support associations should provide practical and emotional support to assist the parents of offspring with AS and PWS, and indeed any form of intellectual disability, across the lifespan.

DOI

10.3109/09638288.2016.1161838

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