Children with Special Need: Care and Family Support

Abstract

All parents look forward to having a normal and healthy baby. The confirmation of disability in their child shakes the family and serves as a source of severe psychological disruption to family adjustment. Accepting a child with disability becomes difficult for parents and the family, when competence and achievement are important in the competitive world. The first few years of the child’s life are crucial. During this period he learns about her\himself and the world around him\her. For the disabled child, the experience of growing and learning can be painful and frustrating. It becomes more painful, when the disabled child comes from an environment where survival is an everyday struggle. Thus, when it suddenly becomes necessary for family to love someone who has a very limited capacity, the family is put in a conflicting situation, resulting in a great deal of stress. There should be a team approach to parenting, including shared responsibility for decisionmaking and child management. A supportive family environment helps each family member to develop confidence and self-respect.