Stress in Families with Handicapped Children

Abstract

This paper deals with the stressors that are found within families in which there is an intellectually handicapped person. The review deals with the impact of stress upon the parents and the non-handicapped siblings. The basic proposition expounded is the need for respite care to allow the family to engage in those activities that are part of the experiences enjoyed by other families within die community. Respite care offers a substitute care to families for periods of time ranging from several hours to days and it has been argued that such relief is able to substantially reduce the stress on families resulting from intensive care-giving.