Date of Award

August 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling Psychology & Community Services

First Advisor

Dr. Katherine Nelson

Abstract

In the United States, about 17% of children between the age of 3 and 18 are diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability (Zablowsky et al; 2019). About 14% of the population lives in a rural community (USDA, 2020). Being part of a rural community has additional challenges urban areas may not face (Sharpley et al., 1997; Hasting &Taunt, 2002; Gerstein et al.,2009; Dabrokska & Pisula, 2010). Parents of children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability also face additional challenges than raising a neurotypical child. This study explored the themes and commonalities that arise from raising a child diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability in a rural community. A thematic analysis was used to gather information on parents' experiences and resulted in key concepts “Detection and Diagnosis through Observations”, “Appropriate Interventions and Support”, “Parent Advocation and Resilience”, and “Community Influence”.

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