Table 1 Objectives and research questions

Explore existing care practices for children with intellectual and developmental disorders in the community.

1: Who is the main carer for the child with intellectual and developmental disorders?

2: What are the main problems experienced by parents in caring for such children?

3: What type of care is sought and received for the child with developmental disorder?

4: What are the community’s perception and attitude about children with developmental disorders?

Explore carers’ views about family volunteers to assist with care

1. How would the idea of family volunteers be received by carers?

2. Who can take on the role of a family volunteer?

3. What are the barriers to take on the role of a family volunteer and how could those barriers be overcome?

4. What are the facilitators to take on the role of a family volunteer and how could these be integrated into the proposed system?

Explore potential family volunteers’ views about their role

1. How can family volunteers work with other families?

2. How can family networks be formed and sustained?

3. How can family volunteers be trained and supervised?

4. How can technology assist in such a role?