Although parents of children with disabilities may experience varied emotions and feelings, the stage approach helps

Question

to identify ways parents may respond. Describe each of the stages.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER: (1) Shock is generally the first stage. It is distinguished by feelings such as anxiety, guilt,
confusion, helplessness, denial, or despair. How parents react in this stage depends upon
the nature of their psychological make-up, types of support available, their cultural
beliefs, and the type and severity of the disability? (2) Realization may be characterized
by anxiety or fear about the ability to cope with the demands of caring for a child with
unique needs. Parents may reject or deny information. However, parents come to
understand the demands in raising the child? (3) Retreat is an attempt to avoid dealing
with the anxiety producing realities of the child’s condition. Some parents attempt to
move the child and other parents attempt to remove themselves from the
situation? (4) Acknowledgement is when parents use their strengths and skills to
confront the situation. They are likely to involve themselves in interventions, comprehend
information, and join advocacy groups.