Abstract:
The birth of a child with a disability in the family brings profound changes in the family
dynamics, which can cause enormous anxiety and frustration, as well as creating tension
in the family structure. Based on these considerations, the present study aimed to
analyze the relational dynamics of families with the arrival of a disabled child, to
identify the reaction, changes and difficulties of families of children with disabilities.
The sample was characterized by 8 families whit parents aged between 33 and 45 years
old. The research is centered on the qualitative approach. As an instrument of data
collection in this research, the interview was privileged, complemented by direct
observation and the genogram. In a very interesting way, it can be concluded that the
data analyzed demonstrated that the families, upon receiving the diagnosis, had shock
reactions and expressed feelings of denial, revolt, anguish, sadness, discouragement,
guilt, disappointment, fear and despair. Likewise, it is concluded that the child with
disabilities brings changes in the family at various levels, such as financial, professional
life, marital and family relationships, and social life. It is also concluded that the family
faces many difficulties in child care, due to the demand of the child`s increased needs. It
can be seen that most mothers had to leaving the job to dedicate to the care of the child,
a fact that worsened the family`s economic difficulties. Families have also suffered a
reduction in time for social interaction, as well as the distance in the marital
relationship, which culminated in the abandonment by one of the partners.
