Parental expectations for children with intellectual disability or autism in Ghana and Zambia: A concept mapping study*

Introduction: Parent expectations have an important impact on children's outcomes. Despite a wealth of research on the familial experience of children with disabilities in African countries, very few studies have examined expectations these children's parents hold for them. Aims: This study explores parental expectations for children with intellectual disability, or autism and assesses their perceived importance and likelihood of attainment. Methods and procedures: Concept mapping methodology with focus groups comprised of parents of children with intellectual disability or autism were employed. Outcomes and results: Results revealed several expectation themes: independence, acceptance and inclusion, public awareness, education, governmental assistance, resources, and healthcare. Whereas some expectations were congruent with themes in the broader literature, nuances within themes reflected cultural and societal conditions. Themes unique to each country also emerged, and importance and likelihood ratings revealed some cultural variation across the two countries. Expectations and the value placed on them differ across countries. Implications: This study represents an important first step in efforts to understand the developmental contexts of children with disabilities on the African continent. Findings inform future research and potential strategies for policy and practice.