Barriers and facilitators to participation in everyday activities for children with intellectual disabilities in China.

Abstract

Children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are vulnerable and participate less in everyday activities compared to their peers with typical development. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators related to the participation in everyday activities of children with IDs in China. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary caregivers of children with IDs from special schools in Tianjin, China. The data were transcribed and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Four categories of barriers to participation in everyday activities for children with IDs were identified: insufficient knowledge, attitudes and skills in primary caregivers; ID-related characteristics of children; stigma and Chinese culture; and lack of support from society. Four categories describing facilitators of participation in everyday activities for children with IDs were also identified: the optimistic attitude of the primary caregiver; adequate family support; active environment in school and policy; and attractive characteristics of children with IDs. The findings in this study add knowledge on important barriers and facilitators affecting the participation of children with IDs in everyday activities in China. The primary caregivers' voices need to be heard by government and society. Appropriate and effective changes in family-oriented services and the legal, social, political and economic context of the child welfare management system for the scale-up of improving participation should be implemented for children with IDs.