Intrafamilial and professional-family relationships are adversely affected by the progressive deterioration and inevitable death of a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Professionals dealing with these families need to (1) develop an integrated, family systems approach to the dystrophic child's situation, (2) give the dystrophic child permission to “experiment” with life, and (3) provide straightforward information regarding the disease process to the dystrophic child and the family. More studies of the psychological disturbances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and of possible intervention techniques are necessary.
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