Problems of families with disabled children

The mental health of family members is influenced by the function of the family system and presence of a disabled child often leads to irretrievable damages to the family. Based in this issue, the aim of this study was to investigate the p roblems of families with disabled children and its indirect impact on their occupational function.

This descriptive analytical study was performed in year 2009. Study units were the families of Sepah personnel who had disabled children and lived in Tehran. 200 subjects were studied in two groups of families having disabled children and families without disabled children as the control group. Data was collected by family function questionnaire, Bell adaptation scale and researcher-made questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and independent t-test using SPSS 15 software.

Families with disabled children had statistically significant difference in family function (p<0.01); in other words the control group families had better family function than those with disabled children. Considering adaptability, there was a significant difference between the two groups in total score and minor scales. Conclusion Families with disabled children have weakness and trouble in terms of function and adaptability, therefore they need educational and consultation services and psychological supports.