Ordinary Families, Special Children: A Systems Approach to Childhood Disability

by Milton Seligman, Rosalyn Benjamin Darling

This comprehensive and clinically useful resource provides a multisystems perspective on childhood disability and its effects on family life. The volume examines the many variables that shape the ways families respond to childhood disability and the extent to which they can overcome the physical, cultural, and social barriers to a satisfactory lifestyle. Integrating theory and research with evocative first-hand accounts from parents, siblings, and grandparents, the authors demonstrate how to apply a social and family systems-based approach to assessment and intervention with diverse families.

Genres: Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 1989

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my text books for a class. I thought it did a great job outlining the family structure and gave insight to all of the subsystems involved. It did a great job in outlining the importance of family based interventions, and how the professional needed to be sure to address family concerns and not be dominant in the process.

My major upset of the text was the negative perception of those working with/for children with disabilities. The implication that "we" don't want to be bothered with their problems was disheartening. Society does still need to continue to adapt, but I think their approach was too harsh.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Really a must read for those who work with exceptional children and their families. It opens your eyes to the challenges, heartbreak, and joys of raising and educating exceptional children.