when the new parents gets to know about the diagnosis about the child's developmental delay or disability, they usually get stressed or emotionally disturbed. families use various strategies and methods to cope up with the situation and accept the condition of the child. This presentation discusses about various coping methods used by parents of child with disabilities. The various facilitators and inhibitors for coping are also focused.

1. Coping and Adaptive
mechanisms
of families
A Daisy Evangeline
[All images, photographs and content belong to their rightful owners and are used purely for educational and non-commercial purpose only]

2. Introduction
A coping mechanism is a technique individuals use to
manage stress, anxiety, or negative emotions.
Coping mechanisms are conscious and intentional
strategies individuals use to manage stress or
navigate challenging situations.
There are two types of coping mechanisms–adaptive
(healthy) and maladaptive (unhealthy).
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3. Adaptive Coping
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4. Coping Strategies
specific actions taken to control stress
Active Coping
Strategy
Active coping strategies, includes approaching the
problem.
They are more positive and resolutive for the family
Passive Coping
Strategy
Such as avoiding the problem, can be a mechanism to
reduce stress short-term.
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5. • Those with adaptive coping mechanisms tend to have
positive outlooks, and dealing with challenges head-on
builds self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Instead of avoiding their problems, they acknowledge the
presenting issues and move forward with a solution in
mind.
• Adaptive coping mechanisms examples include:
• Practicing yoga
• Seeking support
• Using relaxation techniques
• Problem-solving
• Using humor
• Physical activities
• Being creative
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6. Having a Child with
Developmental Delay
Coping and Adaptive
mechanisms
of families

7. All Parents wish to have a
healthy baby, but some parents
though not by choice are
forced into situation of having a
Child with Developmental delay.
“
”
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8. The ability of the individual to cope up with any
situation is related to the available support.
Internal
Resources
✓ Faith in God
✓ Self Determination
✓ Energy
External
Resources
✓ Support from family members
✓ Relatives
✓ Friends
✓ Neighbors
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9. Coping
Strategies of
Parents
having
Children with
Special Needs
(CWSN)
Take advice from family members &
friends
Share responsibilities with other members of
the family
Take assistance from institutions working with
special children
Take professional help and support
Use of assistive devices and
appliances
Sushmita Borah* and Sampreety Gogoi

10. Coping
Strategies of
Parents
having
Children with
Special Needs
(CWSN)
Involve in social media
Concern with the positive aspect
Suppress the emotions
Enjoy music, Read books and
magazines
Accept the reality and learn to live with

11. Understanding Indian Families
Facilitators and
Inhibitors in Coping

12. Facilitators for Coping
Mutual
Support b/w
Parents
Financial
Support
Family, Paternal &
Maternal
Grandparents, Govt
Benefits, Inheritance
Physical
Support
Family, Friends,
Relatives, Grand
parents, Neighbors,
Colleagues, Maid
Social &
Emotional
Support from
Spouse
Faith in God/
Self
determination

13. Facilitators for Coping
Traditional
management
support
Oil massage
Easy
accessibility
of services
Professional
Management
Support
Therapies, ADL
training, Behavior
therapy
Community
Organizations
/ Agencies
Parent support
groups
Institutional
Support
School, Vocational,
Child care

14. Inhibitors for Coping
Poor Physical
health of
family
members
Mother, Father,
Grandparents, Siblings
Family
Problems
Alcoholic Father, Lack
of time for child,
Borderline IQ of parent
Lack of
Support
Death in family
Lack of
acceptance
Family,
Grandparents,
Neighbors,
Community, relatives
Over
indulgence
by others

15. Inhibitors for Coping
Financial
Constraints
Debts, Unemployment
Transferable
Jobs
Misguidance
by
Professionals
Lack of
information/
facilities
Govt. benefits, Therapies
Behavioral
problems of
child

16. As professionals,
Identify the concerns
of parents that inhibit
the coping
mechanism of parents.
Early Behaviour
management / Early
detection of
behaviour problems.
Include parents and
provide necessary
information about
therapies
Adopt an
Individualized program
for the child targeting
the needs of the child
and parents.
Taking Physical support
from the available
help. (friends, family,
maid)
Consciously advocate
to build financial
support within family.
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17. Thank
you