PRENTAL RESPONSES TO THER DEVELOPMENTALLY DELAYED CHILDREN AND THE SOUTH GLAMORGAN HOME ADVISORY SERVICE

Abstract

How parents who have a child with some degree of handicap describe their child''s behavior and their own feelings and adjustment to having such a child was studied. Their response was compared with that of parents of age-matched children without any known development difficulties. The parents and children were grouped according to the manifested handicap of the child (Down''s syndrome, developmental quotient (DQ) > 65, DQ < 65 with/without limb dysfunction and normal controls). The children''s ages ranged from 4-126 mo. and they all had received the South Glamorgan Home Advisory Service (HAS) at some time. The families (61) completed attitude and behavior rating scales, and parents were asked to express their preferences for prescribed services. The attitude and rating scales were also completed by 25 control families with normal children. A consistent trend was revealed towards increasingly favorable attitudes and feelings from past to future, and the DQ < 65 with/without limb dysfunctions, group required further investigation in terms of provision of appropriate services. A distinct preference was shown for the South Glamorgan Home Advisory Service.