First published in 1986, this book reviews research on the role parents play in fostering the early development of children with mental handicaps. Professionals and parents must work together to give such children the chance of living as ordinary lives as possible and here, the author develops a broadly-based conceptual framework for the involvement of parents as teachers of their young handicapped children.

1. Introduction 2. Family Life of Handicapped Children 3. Family Life: Research Strategy, and Methods 4. Family Reactions to the Handicapped Child 5. Methods for Measuring Parents' Attitudes 6. Stress 7. Interaction and Development 8. Comparison of Mothers and Fathers 9. Interaction with Young Mentally Handicapped Children 10. Involving Parents in teaching 11. Programme Variables and Parent Characteristics 12. Implications for Research and Practice; References; Index