Introduction: Children with special needs face unique challenges that influence their participation . Environmental factors can either enable or hinder participation, and parents' interpretations of these factors play a key role in determining their children's opportunities for participation. This scoping review aims to map existing literature and identify gaps in understanding of parental perspectives about environmental factors influence on their children participation.
Objective: This review seeks to systematically explore and synthesize qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research on parents' perceptions of environmental factors affecting the participation of children with special needs (0-18 years). It aims to provide a foundation for future research and inform policy and practice to enhance supportive environments.
Method: A scoping review methodology was used, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A preliminary content analysis of the literature has identified key themes that this review addresses:
- The effects of different environments on children's participation.
- Tools and methods used to evaluate parents' perceptions.
- Contexts in which parents' perceptions were examined (e.g., children with autism, cerebral palsy).
- Factors influencing parents' perceptions, including COVID-19 and low-income settings.
- The use of models in assessing environmental impact (limited use, primarily ICF).
- Key environmental factors identified by families.
Results: Findings will provide a comprehensive overview of parental perspectives on environmental barriers and facilitators. The results will inform occupational therapy interventions, policies, and inclusive practices to optimize participation for children with special needs.
Conclusion: The findings will contribute to evidence-based occupational therapy practices, fostering environments that promote inclusion and well-being.