Parent involvement and the development of children with special needs

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Abstract
The involvement of parents in the education and training of handicapped children and young people is a relatively recent phenomenon. Only gradually have professionals in the educational, medical and social work spheres accepted the undoubted potential that parents have for positive involvement in activities designed to optimise a child's development, and the expertise, based on intimate knowledge, which they can bring to bear. This paper examines the ways in which parents may be helped and supported in the task of providing stimulating environments for handicapped young children and in the development of their skills as therapists and educators. Parents have a special relationship with the child and are well placed to help him. They require support however in coming to terms with the handicap, in appreciating the implications for the child and for the family in the long term, and in developing appropriate skills. Help for the handicapped child must therefore be considered in the light of help for the family.

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