Resource Approach in Psychological and Pedagogical Research and Practice of Helping the Family of a Child with Disabilities

Abstract

The article presents the theoretical justification of the resource approach to psychological and pedagogical assistance to a family raising a child with disabilities, its origins and ideas. The resource approach is indicated as opposed to the deficit approach, the focus of which is shifted towards problems and shortcomings in the development of the child and family life that need to be eliminated. The resource approach is focused on taking into account, strengthening and intensifying the potential capabilities of the family, as well as searching for and attracting other, including external, environmental resources. The advantage and possibilities of a resource approach to helping the family of a child with disabilities are emphasized. The article reveals the concept of resources and ideas about individual and family resources on the part of domestic and foreign researchers in the field of general and special pedagogy and psychology. It is shown how the appearance of a child with various developmental disorders affects the resource state of the family and emphasizes the special importance of studying and activating the resource capabilities of the family of a “special” child in the practice of psychological and pedagogical support.