Parents' report of family life with a developmentally delayed child

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Abstract
To investigate how parents who have a child with some degree of handicap perceive the effect of the child on family life, and to measure parental health, the parents'' response was compared to that of parents of age-matched children without any known developmental difficulties. The parents and children were grouped according to the manifest 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 received the South Glamorgan Home Advisory Service (HAS) at some time. Families [61] completed a questionnaire concerning family life and activities and Rutter''s Malaise Inventory. Control families [31] also completed the questionnaire and Malaise Inventory. There was very little difference between the control group and handicapped groups, suggesting that the presence of a delayed child in the family unit does not appear to change the family routine to any large extent. Parents of handicapped children did not suffer from significantly greater ill health when compared to the parents of normal children. Provision should be made available for fathers and mothers to play an equal part in the support facilities and guidance offered.