STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING DETERMINED BY DEVELOPMENTAL CAPABILITIES OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the influence of the level of developmental abilities (general coefficient of psychomotor abilities) of children with intellectual and developmental difficulties in early childhood on the dimensions of family functioning. The paper included qualitative and quantitative research for the purpose of verifying the set hypothesis. The total sample (n = 108) included children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parents. The Family Relationship Scale and Family Quality Scale were used to assess family functioning. For the examination and determination of the coefficient of psychomotor development the Development Observation System Checkers was applied. This research has established that the level of developmental abilities of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities affects family interaction. Research has not established that the level of developmental abilities of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities affects the quality of life and that there is a link between socio-economic characteristics of parents / guardians and family functioning.