A Comparison between Parenting a Normal and a Handicapped Child throughout a Life Span

Abstract

This paper addresses the changing demands of parenting handicapped and normal children throughout various stages of the life span — Pregnancy, the toddler, childhood and adolescent years, and adult children. Various issues which become critical at each of these stages are discussed and similarities and differences in parenting and child-rearing practices for these two groups are outlined. The paper highlights the fact that occupational therapists have many valuable specialist skills and a broad knowledge base from which to offer assistance to parents grappling with parenting a handicapped child.