Exploring experiential elements, strategies and outcomes of quality participation for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A systematic scoping review

J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2022 May;35(3):691-718. doi: 10.1111/jar.12982. Epub 2022 Feb 17.

Abstract

Objective: Quality participation, defined as satisfying and enjoyable involvement, is one of the most valued life outcomes for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To broaden understandings of quality participation, our review explored participation experiences of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Method: Utilising an established systematic scoping review methodology, data were collected using three search tools (peer-reviewed databases, grey literature databases and Google). Inclusion criteria required that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or their proxies provided descriptions of quality participation experiences in any life domain.

Results: A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Quality participation strategies (30 total) and outcomes (8 total) were categorised according to six experiential elements (autonomy, belongingness, challenge, engagement, mastery and meaning).

Conclusion: Findings provide novel insight for building quality experiences across current and future participation initiatives.

Keywords: education; leisure; quality experiences; rehabilitation; sport; youth.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Databases, Factual
  • Developmental Disabilities*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*