Assessing families with a developmentally delayed/handicapped child

There are many reasons to assess family functioning. The family is the major social force that influences children, and what happens in the family may have more impact on the child's development than the handicap itself. It is essential to inform families of the rationale for a family assessment because they often expect the sole focus to be on the handicapped child. The assessment itself begins with this focus and gradually moves into other areas. If the pediatrician believes family psychotherapy or a support group is indicated, most communities have resources for such services in the public and private sectors.