The effect of a handicapped child upon a family

Each family is individual in the way it reacts and adjusts to a handicapped child. How and when staff first break the news is important. It can affect the way the parents are able to cope and adjust. If midwives and other staff handle and speak about the baby in a positive, accepting way, this will help the parents to do so too. Parents often need to grieve for the "normal" child they have lost. The parents' relationship may break down under the physical, social and financial strains. The health visitor or social worker may be able to help. Some families grow closer as a result of a handicapped child, others become dysfunctional. Siblings' needs may be overlooked. Here again, the health visitor or social worker may be able to help.