The development of the QOL construct has allowed for a new approach in understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. It has been useful in assessment, intervention, professional practice, policy, and research (Brown & Brown, 2003), and has enabled examination of a broader range of contextual factors than in the past (Brown et al., 2006). With the evolution of study in this area, the importance of family functioning in relationship to QOL has emerged as a priority (Brown & Brown, 2003; Brown, Schalock, & Brown, 2009; Schalock & Luckasson, 2004; Turnbull & Stowe, 2001) and it has been argued that a framework similar to that used in QOL may provide valuable information when applied to FQOL (Bailey, et al., 1998; Brown
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If supports to fulfill this role are not in place, especially for families of children with disabilities, the entire family system is placed at unnecessary risk (Gardiner & Iarocci, 2012). The additional focus and care necessary for children with disabilities may cause an imbalance in family life (Brown et al., 2006; Brown et al., 2009). Families who have children and adult members with IDD have demonstrated more problems with family functioning, less marital satisfaction, increased caregiver burden, and a lower sense of family coherence than families with typically developing children (Gardiner & Iarocci, 2012). Cumulative daily stress also has a negative impact, with increased parental feelings of guilt, emotional difficulties, and increased stress, burden, and worry (Al-Krenawi, Graham, & Al Gharaibeh, 2011). Family outcomes are further impacted by increased parent distress resulting from higher rates of sibling adjustment problems (Fisman, Wolf, Ellison, & Freeman, 2000). As time goes on, aging parents who are the primary caregivers for adult children with IDD also experience higher levels of stress and poorer physical and mental health than average (Caldwell, 2008; McConkey, 2005; Minnes, Woodford, & Passey, 2007). Families caring for a minor or adult child with disabilities are considered developmentally at risk because they are functioning outside of typical conditions and have considerable stressors beyond the norm. They face greater care-giving demands, and often find themselves overwhelmed and in need of special support services which are in limited
If supports to fulfill this role are not in place, especially for families of children with disabilities, the entire family system is placed at unnecessary risk (Gardiner & Iarocci, 2012). The additional focus and care necessary for children with disabilities may cause an imbalance in family life (Brown et al., 2006; Brown et al., 2009). Families who have children and adult members with IDD have demonstrated more problems with family functioning, less marital satisfaction, increased caregiver burden, and a lower sense of family coherence than families with typically developing children (Gardiner & Iarocci, 2012). Cumulative daily stress also has a negative impact, with increased parental feelings of guilt, emotional difficulties, and increased stress, burden, and worry (Al-Krenawi, Graham, & Al Gharaibeh, 2011). Family outcomes are further impacted by increased parent distress resulting from higher rates of sibling adjustment problems (Fisman, Wolf, Ellison, & Freeman, 2000). As time goes on, aging parents who are the primary caregivers for adult children with IDD also experience higher levels of stress and poorer physical and mental health than average (Caldwell, 2008; McConkey, 2005; Minnes, Woodford, & Passey, 2007). Families caring for a minor or adult child with disabilities are considered developmentally at risk because they are functioning outside of typical conditions and have considerable stressors beyond the norm. They face greater care-giving demands, and often find themselves overwhelmed and in need of special support services which are in limited