Naseef
acknowledges that acceptance of a child’s disability differs in some ways
from the acceptance that follows the death of a loved one. In the case of a
child with special needs, parents learn to move on with their lives as they
rework their dreams for the child. He stresses how difficult it is for parents
to withdraw emotionally from their old dreams of the "perfect child"
and use the resultant energy to begin a new relationship and design new dreams.
Mothers and fathers learn to accept the child as he is, but quickly realize
that the hard work of raising that child and meeting his needs is just beginning.As they learn to accept the child as he is and face the often-overwhelming issues surrounding the child’s medical, developmental, and educational needs, parents may turn to the professionals in the child’s life with a sudden burst of interest and energy. It’s not uncommon for nurses working with families to receive a sudden phone call or letter at this point, with numerous questions and demands for action. As parents begin to trust themselves once more, they are able to trust others and the nurse can once more be a valuable ally.