TABLE 4a.

Joint display of quantitative and qualitative findings for the experimental group.

Variables	Appreciative inquiry intervention themes	Semi-structured interview themes (after intervention)
Family Environmental Scale (FES) Family cohesion Pre-intervention test: 38.17 (8.85) Post-intervention test: 47.58 (3.89) *large effect size supports greater increase in cohesion.	Family experiences: Close bonds and connections, togetherness, belonging to, part of (inclusion), fun and excitement; love and acceptance, nurturance and supportiveness. ‘We are a normal family – just like others: socialising, disciplining and parenting.’ (F1, female, 11 years old) ‘Families cares for each other.’ (F6, male, 11 years old)	Family time: Togetherness, fun, family memories. Appreciative inquiry meeting: taking photographs and drawing genograms created fun and togetherness. Majority of adolescents expressed the desire to have more quality time with their family members.
Family expression Pre-intervention test: 52.42 (6.67) Post-intervention test: 47.58 (3.89) *medium effect size changes in expression	Family strengths and core values: Family roots, religious and cultural beliefs, unconditional love, positive attitudes, embracing challenges. Creating safe and secure family environment. Expressed high levels of responsibility, protection, especially from grandparents and siblings. ‘Family prays together.’ (F10, male, 13 years old) ‘We come from a proud family. Our culture is important to us.’ (F4, female, 12 years old)	Family relationships: ‘Family means everything, I am nothing without my family.’ (A3, female, 14 years old) ‘I want to feel that I belong to a family. I want to make them feel proud of me.’ (A4, female, 12 years old) Adolescents not focused on disability but on close relationship with parents and siblings.
Family conflict Pre-intervention test: 57.25 (4.67) Post-intervention test: 57.83 (5.44) *no statistically significant changes	Family challenges: Addressed feelings of adolescents and siblings about not being valued, respected, accepted and included in family decisions. Family liked to be seen as a ‘normal’ family, without judgement. ‘We focus on limitations and challenges – not disabilities, not on normal or abnormal.’ (F1, female 11 years old) ‘We do not see our family as different from other families. We try to create a sense of belonging and connection with the larger community – through function and activities.’ (F2, female, 12 years old)	Adolescents’ challenges: Seek independence, acceptance, to be heard. Afraid not meeting expectations and to be judged. Blaming and name calling – increased feelings of rejection. ‘I feel it is my fault. My parents are ashamed of me.’ (A10, male, 13 years old) ‘I always hear about the things that I cannot do and not what I can do.’ (A6, male, 11 years old)