The Process of

Discovery:
Finding out that a
child is
“Different”
Impact of a handicapped
child on the family
When it is learned at birth that the
child is in some way abnormal, the
effect on the parents can be
devastating. Sometimes parents tend
to blame themselves or each other.

2
Impact of a handicapped
child on the family
Disability places a set of extra
demands or challenges on the family
system; most of these demands last
for a long time.

Many of these challenges cut across

disability type, age of the person with
the disability, and type of family in
which the person lives.

3
Impact of a handicapped
child on the family
There is the financial burden
associated with getting health,
education, and social services; buying
or renting equipment and devices;
making accommodations to the
home; transportation; and
medications and special food..

4
Impact of a handicapped
child on the family
Family life is changed, often in major
ways. Care-taking responsibilities may
lead to changed or abandoned career
plans.

More adjustments have to be made

and for longer periods of time.

5
 1. General
Reactions of
Parents
General Reactions of Parents
1. Denial - the refusal to acknowledge that child has a disability. Parents in
denial may make excuses for their child's setbacks because they
don't want to accept that a disability is present.

Denial is usually a sign of deep-rooted fear that a disability means

a child will fail in life, which is often one of a parent's worst fears.

7
General Reactions of Parents
2. Anger- Parents who are angry about their child's disability may point
fingers at others. Their anger may come out in the form of
criticism.

3. Grief- Grief may occur because a parent worries about the future. Grief
may occur repeatedly throughout the life of a child with special
needs if he or she fails to achieve various milestones and social
rites of passage that other children typically achieve.

8
General Reactions of Parents
4. Relief- Relief may be the last thing you would expect parents to feel
upon learning their child has a disability.

relief does happen, often because a formal diagnosis of a

disability gives parents an explanation for the struggles their
children have faced. Some parents are relieved because a
diagnosis of a disability can qualify a child to receive special
education accommodations and special instruction under
an Individualized Education Plan.

9
2. Stages of
Adjustments
Stages of Adjustments
What you do to keep going when you are
feeling helpless because something out of
your control has taken away your child’s equal
chance at life.

 The severity or lack of severity of your child's

needs does not make them any harder or
easier to deal with.
 Coping is doing what you have to do to get by,
dealing with one problem at a time.

11
Stages of Adjustments
A time of acting, of moving forward . The
awakening of a source of energy, the
beginning of a sense of control over your
emotions and life, a time for seeking
understanding about your child, family and
self.

12
Stages of Adjustments
Seeing the world for what it is and seeing
yourself for who you are. It is moving beyond
the intense emotions of surviving, feeling
less of the sense of urgency of searching
and gaining a greater sense of control and
balance in daily life..

13
Stages of Adjustments
The normal, necessary process in
development, which occurs in tiny steps
throughout childhood. Each step of
separation is a step toward independence as
your child grows up and away from you and as
you let go, one safe step at a time.

14
3. Reaching
Acceptance
Reaching Acceptance
 It’s important to love your child no matter what medical labels
they are given.
 Accept yourself as the parent you will become as you learn about
parenting your new child. The great thing about parenting is that
you will get plenty of chances to do better!
 Seek out help from a professional counselor.. It’s important that
you work through your stresses with a professional therapist.

16
4. The School’s
Responsibility to
Parents
The School’s Responsibility to Parents
 Meeting the needs of students with disabilities

 The right of their child to an appropriate education even if your

child has special education needs

 Parents are also have a responsibility to work with their child’s

school and the classroom teacher to make sure that your child
gets the support and resources that he or she needs to succeed
at school.
18
The School’s Responsibility to Parents
 Provide a school environment that will allow their child to make
the most of his or her educational experience.

 Ensuring a safer and accepting environment

19
 References:

Disabilities - Impact Of Disabilities On Families - Family, Development, Family, and Disability - JRank
Articles http://family.jrank.org/pages/396/Disabilities-Impact-Disabilities-on-
Families.html#ixzz5XBDNr5OJ

https://www.verywellfamily.com/parent-reactions-childs-disability-2162643

http://www.cpacinc.org/helpful-resources/parent-support/family-connections/parent-mentors/module-4-
adjustment-to-the-news-of-having-a-child-with-special-needs/

https://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/09/for_parents_of_kids_with_speci_1.html

http://www.schooladvocacy.ca/special.html

20