Growing Up With Patricia

Parents of a child with special needs to describe their experiences coping with the various challenges to the family as they grew up together. They discuss coping strategies, shared responsibility, and the trials of dealing with physicians, schools, and social service agencies. They talk about advocating for their child and preparing for the transition to adulthood. Their story is followed by a commentary by a social worker who suggests techniques that pediatricians can use to empower families of children with disabilities to optimize outcome.