Despite all the benefits of modern medicine, children are still born with genetic defects or mental disorders that will affect them throughout their lives, and may even shorten them. Luckily, our society is much better equipped to help handicapped children, and the families who raise them, instead of just institutionalizing or hiding them like warts. In this article, we will show you to cope with a handicapped child, including:
  • Warning Signs of a Child's Mental Handicap

    Even though we pray for our little one's health, babies can be born with genetic defects that affect the body's systems, like muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome, or certain mental disorders. More disorders include phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and thalassemia. Sometimes the fetus was altered during development. Other times the problem occurred later on. Children can also contract a serious illness within the first few years of life that adversely affects them later on. Parents who suspect a problem are encouraged to write down their concerns and list as many examples as possible to relay to their doctor.

  • How to Cope With a Handicapped Child

    Confronting the reality that a child has a disability can be a jarring and depressing experience. The feelings of hurt or loss can lead to anger at the physician who breaks the news, anger at the medical profession that seemingly let the parents down, and even guilt that something could have been done during pregnancy to prevent the handicap. Absorbing all the medical information coming their way can be difficult for parents, who may already be doubled over with grief. They should seek out support from a trusted source: a religious leader, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or another trained counselor. Many parents find the greatest relief and comfort in talking to other parents who have lived through similar experiences.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.