Families with young handicapped children have special needs for instrumental and emotional support. Many of these can be met within the family system. The role of grandparents is often overlooked, yet not only are they affected by a grandchild's handicap, but they often have resources that can strengthen the family. This article reviews findings on grandparents and reports the responses of participants in a grandparent workshop.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Bristol, M.M. (1979). Maternal coping with autistic children: The effects of child characteristics and interpersonal supports. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of North Carolina.
2.
Davis, D.R. (1967). Family processes in mental retardation. American Journal of Psychiatry, 124, 340-350.
3.
Ehlers, W.H. (1966). Mothers of retarded children. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas.
4.
Farber, B. (1959). Effects of a severely retarded child on family integration. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 24(2, Serial No. 71).
5.
Farber, B., & Ryckman, D.B. (1965). Effects of a severely mentally retarded child on family relationships. Mental Retardation Abstracts, 11, 1-17.
6.
Featherstone, H. (1983). A difference in the family: Life with a disabled child. New York: Basic Books.
7.
Gayton, W.F. (1975). Management problems of mentally retarded children and their families. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 22(3), 561-581.
8.
Gerver, J.M. (1983). A grandparent's view. Children Today, 12, 12-13.
9.
Harris, L., & Associates. (1975). The myth and reality of aging in America. National Council on the Aging, Washington, D.C.
10.
Holt, K.S. (1958). Home care of severely retarded children. Pediatrics, 22, 744-755.
11.
Kahana, G., & Kahana, E. (1970). Grand-parenthood from the perspective of the developing grandchild. Developmental Psychology, 3, 98-105.
12.
Report on Preschool Education. (1983). 15, 1, 7-8. Arlington, Virginia: Capitol Publications Inc.
13.
Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. (1983). U.S. children and their families: Current conditions and recent trends. 98th Congress, House of Representatives , U.S. Government Printing Office, 20-830-0.
14.
Stehower, J. (1968). The household and family relations of old people . In E. Shanas, D. Townsend, D. Wedderbrunn, H. Friis, P. Michoj, & J. Stehower (Eds.), Old people in three industrial societies. New York: Atherton Press.
15.
Townsend, P. (1957). The family life cycle of old people in East London . London: Rout-ledge and Kegan Paul .
16.
Turnbull, A.P. (1983). Growing with a handicapped child in the family and community: A parent's perspective. In J. L. Paul (Ed.), The exceptional child: A guidebook for churches and community agencies (pp. 1-19). Syracuse: Syracuse University Press.
17.
Vadasy, P.F., & Fewell, R.R. (in press). Life experiences and needs of mothers of deaf-blind children approaching adult-hood. In R. R. Fewell , & P. F. Vadasy (Eds.), Families of handicapped children: Needs and supports across the lifespan. Austin, Texas: Pro-Ed.
18.
Vadasy, P.F., Fewell, R.R., & Meyer, D.J. in press. Supporting fathers of handicapped young children: Preliminary findings of program effects. In Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities.
19.
Waisbren, S.E. (1980). Parents' reactions after the birth of a developmentally disabled child. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 84, 345-351.
