Communicating with Parents of Children with Disabilities
摘要
The process of conveying a diagnosis of a disability in a young child to the parent presents challenges for both the clinician and the parent. Parents who are completely unprepared for this distressing news may exhibit a range of responses. The method by which the news is communicated to the parents can significantly affect their emotions, beliefs, and attitudes toward their child’s disability, potentially resulting in adverse mental health outcomes. Clinicians often experience difficulties due to insufficient training concerning the disclosure process, where clear communication infused with hope can not only aid parents in coping with the unsettling news but also empower them to manage their children effectively. Consequently, this entry emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness regarding the concept of disclosing unfortunate news, in addition to providing best practices and recommendations for delivering difficult news to the parents of children with disabilities.