Qualitative analysis of social support for caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in South India

Background: Despite its importance, limited formal social supports are available for caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) navigating rehabilitation and caregiving in low-resource contexts. The current study investigates the social support sources and coping processes of caregivers of children with NDD at a rural rehabilitation center in South India. An emphasis is placed on interactions between the study participants and families of other children with NDD receiving services at the center.Methods and procedure: A constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted. Data analysis was based on data obtained from twenty-two parents obtaining rehabilitation services in the center over two phases.Outcomes and results: Constant comparative analysis of caregivers' perceptions and experiences generated a theoretical framework of the long-term emergence of social support and coping, comprising three subcategories: accessing service, gaining acceptance and experiencing support at a grassroots level, and coping at a grassroots level.Conclusions and implications: Findings illustrate the need for and benefit of supporting caregivers of children with NDD to find informal social support. Critical considerations for rehabilitation providers, researchers, and policymakers to facilitate caregivers' formal and informal social support and coping skills are discussed.