Family Systems (continued)

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Even though family members report additional stress from a child with a disability, they also experience positive outcomes. In a study by Taunt and Hastings (2002), forty-seven parents of children with developmental disabilities were interviewed. The findings revealed that there were several positive outcomes of having a child with a disability: the parents focused on the positive aspects of their child; they experienced a changed perspective on life; there were opportunities to learn about children, themselves, and others; it improved the family dynamics; there were opportunities to meet and share with other parents of children with disabilities; and they were able to influence policy.

Professionals have become more aware of how family members are affected by the presence of a child with a disability. Professionals also need to take into consideration the roles and needs of each family member (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 1980; Turnbull et al., 1985). Turnbull's and Turnbull's (2001) framework for understanding the emotions, dynamics, and elements of family systems has allowed professionals to work more effectively with these families. The four elements of this framework are (1) family resources, (2) daily interactions among family members, (3) different individual family needs, and (4) changes that occur over time which affect family members (Turnbull & Turnbull, 2001).

Accommodations: Getting On with Life

Adaptiveness

Families are remarkably adaptive to the needs of their child (Seed, 1988; Lobato, 1990; Pearl, 1993). Moreover, the role of each family member assumes varying dimensions depending on the respective attitudes and behavior displayed regarding the child's disability (Meyer, 1986b; Nixon, 1993; Seed, 1988).

A broad range of emotion is experienced while attempting to reconcile those feelings regarding the family's child with a disability (Hawkins, Singer, & Nixon, 1993; Meyer, 1993; Seed, 1988). The anguish and stress are often tremendous, yet somehow each family member learns to cope with a mechanism that is frequently quite efficient in carrying other family members through the substantial turmoil. In other words, the family often draws closer as they depend on one another.

Balanced Lifestyle

A family's daily routine typically focuses around the child with the disability. Thus, their attempt to find a balance in a family routine is an arduous task at best, given that they often are having to juggle appointments dealing with various medical specialists, therapists (physical, occupational, speech and language), and early interventionist home visits. Clearly, it is time-consuming to visit a multitude of professional offices while trying to find answers to questions regarding the diagnosis or treatment of a child with a disability. Also, it is an exhausting pursuit for families to find the best services and newest information regarding their child's condition. Again, the family's attempt to find a requisite balance and perceived normalcy is an issue with which they frequently wrestle.