2018 Volume 42 Issue 1 Pages 197-205
In this study, interviews were conducted with five mothers of grown children with developmental disabilities. The mothers reflected on their children’s elementary school period and clarified what support they needed from the teachers and the school at that time. Primary study results were threefold: first, mothers hoped their children’s teachers would promptly provide appropriate support for the difficulties their children faced. These mothers also would have appreciated a system for easy consultations at school and would have welcomed the introduction of various consultation offices both at school and off campus. Second, they wanted teachers to understand the characteristics caused by their child’s developmental disabilities and desired sympathy for their troubles as parents. This suggests that there is a gap between doctors’/teachers’ views and mothers’/children’s regarding the various difficulties during school life and that it is difficult for teachers to understand guardians’ support needs. Third, the mothers wanted schools to consider support measures keeping in mind the children’s future as well as immediate difficulties. These three areas of support are still important to guardians even after their children have become adults.
