درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of community integration and social participation among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 27 adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from various community centers, support groups, and social service organizations. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes and subthemes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The study identified four main themes: experiences of community integration, types of social activities, perceived benefits and challenges, and influencing factors. Participants reported a strong sense of belonging and personal growth through community activities, despite facing barriers such as stigma, accessibility issues, and financial constraints. Support systems, including family, professionals, and peer networks, played a crucial role in facilitating participation. Recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as volunteering, provided significant physical, emotional, and social benefits. Technological advancements, inclusive policies, and personal resilience were identified as critical factors influencing community integration. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing accessibility, support systems, and inclusive policies to promote community integration and social participation for adults with intellectual disabilities. Addressing the identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can improve their quality of life and well-being. Future research should employ mixed-methods approaches, include longitudinal studies, and consider the perspectives of family members, caregivers, and professionals to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing community participation.

This study aimed to explore the attachment patterns in children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) by examining the experiences and perceptions of their primary caregivers. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 14 primary caregivers of children diagnosed with FASD. Participants were recruited from specialized clinics and support groups. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focusing on topics such as the nature of the child-caregiver relationship, caregiver perceptions of the child's attachment behaviors, challenges in the attachment relationship, and strategies used to support attachment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically, with theoretical saturation achieved when no new themes emerged. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: the nature of the child-caregiver relationship, caregiver perceptions of the child's attachment behaviors, challenges in the attachment relationship, and strategies used by caregivers to support attachment. Caregivers emphasized the importance of emotional bonding, effective communication, physical closeness, and consistent caregiving in fostering secure attachment. They reported a range of attachment behaviors, including both secure and insecure patterns, influenced by the neurodevelopmental impairments associated with FASD. Key challenges included managing emotional outbursts, behavioral issues, and balancing caregiving roles. Caregivers employed various strategies such as therapeutic interventions, establishing routines, positive reinforcement, and emotional coaching to support attachment. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the attachment patterns in children with FASD, highlighting the critical role of responsive caregiving and the adaptive strategies used by caregivers. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to enhance attachment and promote the developmental well-being of children with FASD. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of these attachment patterns and the effectiveness of specific interventions.

The objective of this study was to explore the professional development needs of educators in special education. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of 17 special education teachers. Participants were selected based on their diverse experiences and willingness to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, lasting between 45 to 60 minutes, either face-to-face or via video conferencing. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes related to the professional development needs of special education teachers. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The study identified four main themes regarding professional development needs: Teaching Strategies, Emotional and Social Support, Professional Knowledge, and Collaboration and Advocacy. Under Teaching Strategies, educators highlighted the importance of individualized instruction, effective classroom management, differentiated learning approaches, technology integration, and collaboration with support staff. Emotional and Social Support needs included social skills training, emotional regulation, building relationships, fostering inclusion, crisis intervention, family engagement, and self-care for educators. Professional Knowledge emphasized understanding special education law and policy, disability awareness, evidence-based practices, assessment techniques, ongoing professional development, and curriculum adaptation. Collaboration and Advocacy focused on interdisciplinary teams, student advocacy, community partnerships, professional learning communities, and policy development. The findings underscore the multifaceted professional development needs of special education teachers, highlighting the necessity for tailored training programs that address specific instructional, emotional, social, and collaborative aspects.