Mothers and special sons: reactions, felings and explanations about child disability

Abstract

The born of child with disability give new reality to the family. The objective of this study was to determine the reactions, explanations, feelings and expectations the mothers present when notificated of the children disability. The study was conducted on twenty five mothers referred to the Genetic Counseling of the Faculty of Medicine de Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo. We used a semi-structural questionnaire. About the mothers, 38% aged between 20 to 25 years-old and 71% first incomplete degree. The children, 52% less than one year-old. Their diagnosis were 24% Down's Syndrome and 20% didn't have diagnosis. The data - qualitative analysis - demonstrated the emotional impact of the news was found to be as strong as a shock. Denial, sadness, resignation and revolt were some of the feelings experienced by the mothers. The explanation of the disability was from scientific aspects to popular belief. They expected theirs sons to be cured. Independently to the problem, the notification was the shock. To the mothers was difficult to accepted the diagnosis and found the cure indefatigably. The professionals have to known this emotional conditions to work effectively with the reality of every family.