Experiences of families with children with special needs from the perspective of family systems theory

When a child with special needs is included in the family system, all dynamics of the family are affected. Health, education, psychosocial support, changes in routines, and complexity of roles are added to the family system. All these changes reshape the family's experiences. The aim of the study is to evaluate the experiences of families with children with special needs from the perspective of Family Systems Theory. According to Family Systems Theory, all systems are interrelated and a change in a system affects all lower and upper systems. In this context, it seems important to evaluate the experiences of the mother, father and siblings from a holistic perspective. This study was conducted with a phenomenological approach, which is one of the qualitative research methods. Data were obtained with in-depth interviews with the Family Information Form and semi-structured forms. The participants consisted of mothers, fathers and, if any, normally developing siblings over the age of 14. The study was completed with face-to-face interviews with 21 participants and the data was examined with descriptive analysis. As a result of the research, families expressed the diagnosis process and the effects of children with special needs on the family. The participants saw having a child with special needs as luck/fate, limiting life and accepting difference; They mentioned the effects such as increasing care burden, negative impact on siblings, increasing conflicts and family support. They explained their experiences under the titles of social life, work life, economic problems, the process being variable and seeking support. As coping methods, they developed strategies such as continuing their work life, getting professional support, taking time for themselves, gaining a supportive social environment and learning from the experiences of others. As demands, they stated the needs for individualized programs, increasing the competence of professionals, family education, care support alternatives, psychosocial support, social awareness and economic support.