Communication between Physicians and Parents of Handicapped Children

The physician has an important and sometimes difficult role in communicating with parents of children with developmental handicaps. Some of the major factors which affect physician-parent communication are (a) the physician's knowledge of developmental problems, (b) the physician's attitude toward handicapped children, and (c) the physician's skill in communicating with parents. All three of these factors are crucial and interrelated; deficiencies in one of the areas may affect the physician's abilities in other areas. Details about each of the factors and training programs addressing each factor are discussed.