Abstract

VARGAS, Elisa Avellar Merçon de; NASCIMENTO, Danielly Bart do  and  ROSA, Edinete Maria. Resilience and Adoption of Children with Disabilities: A Multiple Case Study. Rev. Subj. [online]. 2021, vol.21, n.3, pp. 1-17. ISSN 2359-0769.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v21i3.e8676.

Even though there may be difficulties linked to the care and stigma of people with disabilities, individual and contextual characteristics that enhance development and resilience in this context should be considered. The present study aimed to explore resilience processes to deal with adversities experienced by two adoptive families with children with disabilities. A total of five interviews were conducted in this multiple case study: two with the mothers of each family and one with two school staff which one of the children was attended. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in full. The data were analyzed using content analysis and the categories were constructed from the data emerging from the interviews, and then guided by the perspective on resilience used in the present research. The results pointed to the experience of adversities such as lack of encouragement and care to the child while in institutional care, difficulties in the adoption process, parental fatigue, difficulties with child care, individual circumstances, and contextual factors (e.g., prejudice). On the other hand, several processes that promoted resilience were observed, such as the bond and initial affinity with the child, the child's stimulation, support of family and professionals, previous experience with children with disabilities, and personal and contextual characteristics. These processes contributed positively to the children's development and health conditions, beyond the formation of affective bonds. Thus, a new culture of adoption that prioritizes the needs of children should be promoted, through the idea that adopting a child with a disability allows the opportunity to excel and develop to his/her potential.

Keywords : adoption; disabilities; resilience; adversities.

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