Effects of caregiving on the families of children and adults with disabilities.

Parents of children with disabilities encounter stresses unlike those of families with typically developing children. Medical professionals must appreciate that they are not only treating the child but also the family. A state-of-the-art understanding of their patient's disability is implied, but they must also understand the dynamics of raising a child with a disability, appreciate the different models of health care delivery, and provide guidance in transition to adulthood in healthcare as well as life (education, living arrangements, conservancy, etc). An awareness of the physical and mental health impacts on the parents of a child with a chronic disability should also be appreciated.