The ADL Profile adapted for use with parents: An exploratory study

Background. Becoming a parent involves several daily challenges, especially for parents with physical and cognitive impairments. Nevertheless, no assessment tool exists to support occupational therapists with assessing a parent's independence with taking care of a baby. Purpose. The purpose of this study was (a) to develop specific activities for assessing skills for parenting a baby using the ADL Profile and (b) to conduct a pilot study to explore the needs of parents with disabilities. Method. The activities were selected using a participatory approach with expert occupational therapists (n = 3), and the evaluation was tested with parents (n = 4) with physical and cognitive disabilities. Findings. Six parenting activities were developed to assess the ability of a parent to care for her or his baby. Implications. By adding parenting activities, the ADL Profile has the potential to support occupational therapists in providing recommendations related to parenting.