The Emotional Impact of Family Involvement during Homework in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders can be studied from two distinct perspectives: an internal approach, which examines the causes and consequences of these disorders; and a contextual approach, which considers the role of the family in the lives of children and adolescents. Research has demonstrated that the most significant form of family involvement in families raising a child with NDD is through homework. This involvement has been shown to have an emotional impact on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or dyslexia. The objective of this study is to review published articles on homework and neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular attention to the role of the family and the emotional health of children and families. Method: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The final sample consisted of 11 articles, with samples ranging from less than 30 participants to more than 100 at the international level. Results: The results demonstrate the complex methodological and bibliometric picture of the final sample, as well as the many emotional and contextual variables that influence the relationship between homework and neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions: Future research should consider how emotional health affects the engagement of families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords

• neurodevelopmental disorders
• family involvement
• homework
• emotional variables
• contextual variables