Maternal Perceptions of the Effexts of Physical and Occupational Therapy Services on Caregiving Competency

Physcial and occupational therapy (PT and OT) services for children with disabilities have shifted from a medical model to a family-centered model. Underlying this change are the assumptions that the family is the most critical component in promoting a child's development, and that PT and OT services should support parents' goals and needs to be most benficial. The purpose of this study was to examine adoptive mothers' perceptions of the effect of PT and OT services on one aspect of parenting-caregiving competency. A qualitative methodology was chosen, using semistructured interviews with mothers and therapists. Results suggest that while traditional therapeutic activities such as the provision of adaptive equipment and exercise programs are important, the mother-therapist relationship and effective communication are essential components in fostering perceived confidence and competence of family members.