In a world of neurodiversity : How representatives of an interest organization experience their preconditions to support parents of neurodivergent children

Sammanfattning: It is estimated that 15 percent of the world’s population live with some form of disability where neurodevelopmental disabilities [NDD] could be one. In Sweden it is estimated that five to seven percent of all children are diagnosed with NDD and attached to these children are parents who are in need of support due to unique stress problems. Support of other parents has been shown to be appreciated, but also support by interest organizations. The aim of this study was to explore how representatives from an interest organization experience their preconditions to support the health of parents of neurodivergent children. This was explored through qualitative semi-structured interviews with representatives from the interest organization Attention. The transcribed interviews were analyzed with a manifest content analysis and the result showed that time for the representatives to volunteer as well as time for the parents to participate affect the preconditions to support parents. Individual experiences of being a parent of a child with NDD, as well as finances and support from the main organization were seen as resources. Shared knowledge and networking between the organization Attention and authorities were experienced as preconditions to offer support. This study concludes that appropriate resources and cooperation would be beneficial for the representatives’ preconditions to support the health of these parents.