An ABCX model of family adjustment in adoption and permanent fostering of children with intellectual disability

Abstract

Children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) represent a growing proportion of children who are adopted or in foster care. This study aims to explore family adjustment in foster and adoptive families of children with IDD using the ABCX model of family adjustment. Sixty-two families with adopted and foster children with IDD between two and 36 years old in Spain participated in the study. Parents completed a self-reported questionnaire including measures of child demands, family strengths, adjustment of expectations and family adjustment to adoption. The combination of child demands, family strengths and family expectations predicted 55% of the variance of family adjustment (R2 = .55, F (3,56) = 25.571, p < .001), with C Factor being the most relevant (b = .458, p < .001). No differences were found in the adaptation process depending on the severity of the disability, the age of placement, or the adoption versus fostering process. Significant differences were found in the adaptation process dimensions depending on the special versus ordinary process. Differences were also found in some family dimensions depending on the diagnosis of the disability or the family stage. These findings highlight the importance of previous expectations and special processes in adopting children and young people with IDD.

Plain Language Summary

Children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) are a growing proportion of adopted and fostered children. This study explores family adjustment in foster and adoptive families of children with IDD using the ABCX model of family adjustment. This model explains family adjustment following a stressful situation, focusing on the pile-up of demands (A Factor), the family resources (B Factor), and the family expectations (C Factor). Finally, the X Factor refers to family adaptation and wellbeing. Sixty-two Spanish families with adopted and foster children with IDD between two and 36 years old participated in the study. Parents completed a self-reported questionnaire including child demands, family strengths, expectations, and family adjustment to adoption. The combination of child demands, family strengths and expectations significantly impacts family adjustment. Family expectations emerge as the most relevant factor for family adjustment. No differences were found in the adaptation process depending on the severity of the disability, the age of placement, or the adoption versus fostering process. Families from special placements showed better adaptation processes than families from ordinary placements. Better adaptation processes were found for families of children with Down syndrome compared to other diagnoses or for families with children in infancy compared to adolescence. These findings highlight the importance of previous expectations and special processes in adopting children and young people with IDD.