The mother of a teenage daughter with mental retardation describes the ways in which her child behaves as a typical adolescent despite the retardation. Positive experiences with camping are described along with the difficulties of allowing her to maintain her independence safely. (CL)

A disabled woman reviews the ways in which parents can communicate positive and realistic expectations about their disabled children's future. The importance of direct communication regarding sexuality and prejudice is emphasized. (CL)

Jane Schoenfeld's eighteen-year-old daughter and five of her daughter's friends have major learning differences. After searching fruitlessly for a summer class in independent living skills, Shoenfeld relates how she and the parents of her daughter's friends decided to set up their own summer program. They found a facilitator and invited two…

A mother describes how her family reached the decision to place their mentally retarded adolescent in a group home. (CL)

Counseling helped parents of a mobility-impaired 16-year-old recognize her need and struggle for independence, first indicated by her refusal to participate in the family vacation. Counseling helped both parents and the daughter to appreciate the other's viewpoints and to change the ways in which they dealt with family problems and communication.…