Cultural models of child disability: perspectives of parents in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: This study examined parents’ developmental concerns for their children within the context of systems of care in Malaysia.

Methods: Focus groups and interviews were conducted in peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

Results: Parents’ perceptions of developmental delay stemmed from three sources: the cultural, resource, and the social environments.

Conclusion: There is a need to develop a medical support system in Malaysia that considers a life-course perspective, including prenatal care, screening/diagnosis, and services. This system should embrace a family-centered approach to diagnosis, referral, intervention, and support with sensitivity to cultural beliefs, family preferences, and barriers to care.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Parental perceptions of disability affect the strategies they use to cope.

• This research found that cultural conceptions of disability, available resources, and social support affect parental perceptions of disability.

• The resource environment in Malaysia significantly restricts parents’ ability to cope with their child's disability.

• This research recommended that the medical system of Malaysia develops a life-course perspective to disability to provide a range of care for children with disabilities including prenatal care, screening and rehabilitation or coping services.

Keywords:

• Child disability
• parenting
• Malaysia
• developmental services

Disclosure statement

No financial interest or benefit arose from this research.