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Participation in community leisure programs: experiences and perspectives of children with developmental difficulties and their parents
Citation
Fernandez, Y and Ziviani, J and Cuskelly, M and Colquhoun, R and Jones, F, Participation in community leisure programs: experiences and perspectives of children with developmental difficulties and their parents, Leisure Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 40, (3) pp. 110-130. ISSN 0149-0400 (2018) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group
DOI: doi:10.1080/01490400.2017.1408509
Abstract
Children with developmental disabilities participate in more solitary, sedentary, and home-based leisure activities than active physical pursuits or community-based activities. Clinical experience suggests that children with less well-recognized developmental difficulties also have compromised leisure experiences; however, this has not been fully investigated. This study engaged 20 school-age children with developmental difficulties in a community-based circus program, designed in collaboration with occupational therapists. The program included activities such as trampolining, trapeze, and acrobatics. Semi-structured interviews with children and parents explored children's leisure experiences both at circus and more broadly. Qualitative content analysis revealed that friendships, having fun, and being physically active were highly valued aspects of leisure. The coaching style and "just right" level of challenge within programs were identified as central to children's engagement and sense of competence. Participating in a supported leisure program such as circus appeared to promote children's engagement in community leisure, at least in the short term.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | participation, leisure, developmental disabilities, child development, health, wellbeing, self-determination |
Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Health and community services |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Disability and functional capacity |
UTAS Author: | Cuskelly, M (Professor Monica Cuskelly) |
ID Code: | 124161 |
Year Published: | 2018 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 7 |
Deposited By: | Education |
Deposited On: | 2018-02-09 |
Last Modified: | 2018-12-06 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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