Socialization to the role of parent of a handicapped child is usually a traumatic and conflict producing experience. There are both instrumental (technical) and expressive (emotional) aspects of this role change which need resolution. The agents of socialization, such as doctors, teachers, social workers, and handicapped adults, play an important role in the socialization process. The transition in role perception is also influenced by the socioeconomic status, age, religion, and physical characteristics of the parents and by the sex and birth order of the child. An understanding of the influence of these factors should assist the agents of socialization in helping parents and in turn be beneficial to the handicapped child in making an effective adjustment to his handicap.
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