The Use of Support Groups by Parents of Children with Dyslexia

This paper describes an interview-based study that identified the principal reasons for attending support groups by parents of dyslexic children. Parents could be classified on the basis of the interview responses. One group were information seekers and attended support groups for the purpose of education and research about the learning difficulties of their child. These parents' integrated advice and information obtained through the meetings into their home lives in order to offer educational and emotional support to their children. A second group of parents attended support groups on the basis of a professional recommendation only. A third group of parents attended group meetings for the purpose of emotional support. The informationseeking parents reported greater satisfaction with their experience of attending support groups compared with other parents. Recommendations for further research are made on the basis of this study.

Keywords:

• Dyslexia
• Support Group
• Parent
• Child
• Stress