The families of mentally retarded individuals face unique stresses and often require counseling that will help them adjust positively to their problems. The distinctive difficulties encountered by such parents are summarized, and counseling guidelines are suggested. A Christian perspective on helping parents is outlined within the context of Christian counseling, including several theological issues parents and counselors are likely to encounter.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AlienR., & CortazzoA. (1970). Psychosocial and educational aspects and problems of mental retardation.Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
2.
American Psychiatric Association. (1987). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed., rev.). Washington, DC: Author.
3.
BaileyD., & WintonP. (1986). Families and exceptionality. In HaringN., & McCormickL. (Eds.), Exceptional children and youth (4th ed., pp. 71–94). Columbus, OH: Merrill.
4.
CarsonR., ButcherJ., & ColemanJ. (1989). Abnormal psychology in everyday life (8th ed.). Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.
5.
CrnicK., & LeconteJ. (1986). Understanding sibling needs and influence. In FewellR., & VadasyP. (Eds.) Families of handicapped children (pp. 75–98). Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
6.
EhlyS., ConoleyJ., & RosenthalD. (1985). Working with parents of exceptional children.St. Louis: Mosby.
7.
FergusenP., & FergusenD. (1987). Parents and professionals. In KnoblockP. (Ed.), Understanding exceptional children and youth (pp. 346–391). Boston: Little, Brown.
8.
FewellR. (1986a). A handicapped child in the family. In FewellR., & VadasyP. (Eds.), Families of handicapped children (pp. 3–34). Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
9.
FewellR. (1986b). Supports from religious organizations and personal beliefs. In FewellR., & VadasyP. (Eds.), Families of handicapped children (pp. 297–316). Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
MeyerD. (1986). Fathers of handicapped children. In FewellR., & VadasyP. (Eds.), Families of handicapped children (pp. 35–74). Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
18.
MyersD., & JeevesM. (1987). Psychology through eyes of faith.San Francisco: Harper & Row.
19.
OosterveenG. (1979, Oct. 19). In support of parents with handicapped children. Christianity Today, pp. 22–25.
20.
PhilipsI. (1966). Prevention and treatment of mental retardation.New York: Basic.
21.
RatcliffD. (1980). Toward a Christian perspective of developmental disability. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 8, 328–335.
22.
RatcliffD. (1985). Ministering to the retarded. Christian Education Journal, 6, 24–30.
23.
RobinsonN., & RobinsonH. (1976). The mentally retarded child (2nd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.
24.
SchildS. (1976). The family of the retarded child. In KochR., & DobsonJ. (Eds.), The mentally retarded child and his family (rev. ed., pp. 454–465). New York: Brunner/Mazel.
25.
SonnekI. (1986). Grandparents and the extended family of handicapped children. In FewellR., & VadasyP. (Eds.), Families of handicapped children (pp. 99–120). Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
26.
SuranB., & RizzoJ. (1979). Special children.Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.