Parents’ Attitude toward Their Children with Special Needs in Public School

Abstract

Aims: The birth of a child is a sign of faith and hope, prompting expectations of continuity and perpetuation. The mere existence of the newborn. the baby's and appearance, are usually a source of pride. But what if the child requires special needs and attention from the members of the family. This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of parents with children with special needs. Study Design: Using a descriptive-correlational method of research, the parents were being surveyed using the Attitude Scale of Parents of Children with Special Needs, an adapted instrument. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Divisions of Digos City and in Davao del Sur, Philippines in 2021-2022. Methodology: A test was done using the Pearson-r correlations to determine the relationship between the demographic’s variables and the attitudes of the parents. Results: The demographic profile of the respondents revealed that majority of the parents belonged to the middle-aged adults, low-income groups, high school graduates and from big family size or households. The result revealed age and family size showed no relationship or influence to the attitudes of parents toward their child with special needs. However, educational background and family income showed significant relationship. The results of the survey revealed that the respondent has very good attitudes and manifested positive coping attributes in spite of their situation. Output: A parenting enhancement plan was offered as an output of this study to improve the delivery of services and the entire special education program of the Department of Education.