Life Story of a Mother with a Developmentally Delayed Child

• Main Authors: Shih, Kuei-Mei, 施貴美
• Other Authors: Kuo, Chen-Yen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/19036105814977329874

碩士 === 靜宜大學 === 社會工作與兒童少年福利學系 === 104 === The purpose of this study is to present a mothers’ life story in an analysis of her narration of the course of raising a developmentally delayed child. Data was collected through multiple narrative techniques including inquiry, reflective skills, and in-depth interview. According to the subject’s narration, her family background, family structure, and upbringing of the developmentally delayed child led her to doubt the value of life. It was not until her deconstruction and reconstruction of life that she held a new value of life. She, therefore, assigned a new meaning to work and family. There are three findings reported in the study. Firstly, the subject knew little about developmental delays when she first noticed that her child acted differently from other children. She suffered terribly from the process of having her child evaluated for developmental delays. What’s worse, prejudice and verbal abuse put her under considerable stress. Secondly, the subject relied heavily on her spouse and families who eased the burden of time, money, and physical work. Due to the enhancement of her child’s ability, she kept increasing confidence in her child’s development. Besides, the change in career thoughts contributed to good relationship between her child and her child’s teacher. Thirdly, it is advisable to receive early intervention as early as possible. Through sharing how to nurture developmentally delayed children, experienced mothers can help inexperienced mothers spend less time on trial and error as well as cut down on family expense. It is hoped that life of developmentally delayed children will find its way out.