Parents usually go through same grief cycle as those who lose a loved one when the discover that their child has a disability:
Shock4denial4(guilt) anger4resignation4acceptance 4attempt to normalize life
Denial Seek professional advice, look for cures or other resolutions
Place child in normal activities to force them to overcome barriers
Educators have an opportunity to help parents set realistic goals
Anger - Often is guilt in disguise or blame towards professionals, teachers, etc
Teacher needs to get on parents Team in order to help them aid child in academic endeavors.
Resignation Possible depression and hopelessness, because their child is not normal.
May avoid social encounters fear of others judging them damages family
Acceptance Appreciate the system that seeks to help them.
Begin to accept education on disability and management of it.
Able to talk about disability honestly and openly
Parents may be:
Overprotective: Prevent child from participating
Causes social emotional damage
Less protective: Parent Adjusts to helping child with a disability
Helps child become more self-reliant allowed to mainstream where possible
Apathetic: Sometimes comes from societies negative response to people with disabilities
Parents seek isolation rather than deal with stress from public embarrassment
Anger usually results in general towards public.
Parental attitude reflected in other children of family.
Children learn what they live if parent is kind, understanding and helpful, siblings will be also
Older siblings may resent caregiving and be unable to socialize normally due to family expectations
Siblings may be concerned about reactions of friends communication of parent vital in educating siblings towards handling the interactions. Teasing not allowed!
Marital strain imminent couples need respite on regular basis
Both Teachers & Counselors need to have numbers handy for agencies and other resource their area as parents may not be informed.
Positive caring home and classroom environment is essential
If need be, refer family for counseling
Many families focus on the disability rather than the Abilities of children with disabilities
Try to help teacher & family discover strengths, talents, or qualities they can focus on.
See address in book for National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
(NICHCY) Page 23
Counselor attitude towards an individual with a
disability?
What are your experiences (both positive and negative)?
Your biases?
What is your expertise?