| Summary: | M.Ed. === Attention -Deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder (AD /HD) is a diagnostic label which is used by more and more professional people to identify children with behavioral and scholastic problems. Although the AD/HD label may be very useful for communication between professional people, it could lead to generalisations and stereotyping as certain qualities are granted to a person on account of the label that is attached to him without taking him as an individual into account. The labelling of people may even result in changed perceptions and behaviour towards the person who is labelled. This study investigates the mother's perceptions of her AD/HD-labelled child in order to ascertain the effect of this label on the way she perceives, disciplines and handles her child. The study commenced with a theoretical framework in which AD/HD as a diagnostic label is discussed. The origin and development of the label, as well as the uses and abuse thereof, is discussed. Altemative views on AD/HD are also outlined. The theoretical framework is followed by a chapter conceming the design of the research, substantiating the choice of format, methods of data collection and analysis. A qualitative design was chosen on account of its explorative, descriptive and contextual nature. Data was collected by means of in depth interviews. The data was analysed by using a phenomenological approach. Literature was used to compare and complement the data. The data is reported in the following chapter. Examples of raw data from transcriptions are presented. Finally, the consolidated data is interpreted. The results of this study showed that although mothers' perceptions and expectations of their AD /HD-child vary considerably, they correlate with the amount of information which is communicated during the diagnosis. Mothers who are treated with empathy and understanding and who receive more information on the meaning of the diagnosis, tend to perceive their child and his abilities in a more positive way .. The labelling of the child as AD/HD results in an improved relationship between mother and child. Mothers also tend to be more protective of and involved with their child to such an extent that it may negatively affect other relationships in the family. Labelling also influences the mother's perception of herself, because neither she nor the child can be blamed for his unruly behaviour and/ or academic failure. The study concludes with the thought that professional people doing the labelling should work through the content and meaning of the label with the parents in order to help parents form a realistic perception of their AD/HD child.
|
|---|
