A mother describes how her experiences with a second, developmentally normal son helped her better understand and relate to her Down's syndrome child, including recognition that not all normal patterns of behavior are positive and not all abnormal behaviors are necessarily negative. (JW)

The effects of stress on family members who live with and care for a mentally retarded child are described through the vehicle of a case study. The father's behavior, expectations of siblings, and the vulnerability of the family unit are highlighted. (JW)

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.…

When the parents and teacher of a minimally brain-injured kindergarten student understood that the cognitive style of this "slow learner" (inaccurately perceived as laziness or immaturity) required her to observe and evaluate before participating in a learning or social activity, they were able to enhance her learning style. (CB)

The father of an infant with motor neuron disease describes his early experiences with medical professionals. He urges that parents see the medical community as assistants in the process of raising a special needs child, and urges that the medical community see parents as full partners. (JDD)

In a letter to her six-year-old's kindergarten teacher, a parent discusses the child's (who has cerebral palsy) use of communication devices for expressive language and ways in which the teacher can help the child adjust and learn in such areas as "wait time," spontaneous conversation, and peer relationships. (CB)

Parents describe how the Disabled Students' Program at the University of California-Berkeley supported their daughter with cerebral palsy in pursuing an independent college career. Two vignettes describing college students' (with muscular dystrophy and physical disabilities) adjustment at Boston University are presented. (CB)

The father of a boy with Down's syndrome describes his early efforts to cope with his emotions by being strong and hiding his feelings, due to his social conditioning, and subsequent recognition of the importance of expressing his emotions. Problems men face in expressing grief and sharing feelings are discussed in this personal narrative. (PB)

A family case study of a 12-year-old hearing impaired girl who refused to attend a new school when her family moved indicated anxiety about meeting the new school's standards, her mother's return to work; her siblings' adjustment to their new school; and her father's focus on work activities. (CB)

A physically disabled adolescent describes how, as a middle school student, he formed a wheelchair club to provide support and a forum for shared experiences among similarly disabled peers. Eventually, club members invited guest speakers and developed several disability awareness programs for their nondisabled classmates and teachers. (JW)

A mother recounts her neurologically impaired son's struggles and progress in combating impulsivity in his work and social habits. Now 23 years old, employed full-time, and off medication, the son is still impulsive, has problems with social skills, but has improved his self-image through a photography hobby. (CB)

A parent describes how presenting information on what it is like to have a disability to his son's teacher and fifth grade classmates helped his Down Syndrome son to adjust to a new school and achieve acceptance. The success of this strategy should encourage other parents to make comparable efforts. (JC)

A father shares his experience raising a daughter born with severe brain damage. The article explores the parents' emotions in learning the scope of their daughter's condition, coping with support machinery, getting to know parents of other children with disabilities, dealing with health professionals, and securing financial support. (PB)

A father relates his family's efforts to provide early stimulation to a son diagnosed with cerebral palsy and visual impairments. As the boy developed, he listened to audiotape recordings of music and nursery rhymes, explored household objects, watched television, played computer games, and was eventually enrolled in a mainstreamed kindergarten.…

This document consists of the nine issues of the journal "Exceptional Parent" published during 1993. This journal contains articles particularly aimed at parents of children with disabilities. Major articles published during this period are the following: "Annual Guide to Products and Services"; "Coping with…