A family has recently learned that their child will be permanently disabled. The parents do not deny the disability, but do not fully realize its impact. Which of the following levels of adjustment are the parents experiencing?

Question

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Ulrich and Bauer (2003) propose that the adjustment to disability experience occurs in four levels as parents gradually become aware of the impact of their child's disability. These levels include: (1) the ostrich phase, where parents do not deny a disability, but do not fully realize its impact; (2) special designation, when parents begin to realize their child has a special need and seek help; (3) normalization, when parents try to make the differences between their child and children without disabilities less apparent, and may actually request a decrease in services; and (4) self-actualization, when parents do not view being different as better or worse, just different, and support their child in learning about his or her disability, along with how to be a self-advocate.

A Family Has Recently Learned That Their Child Will Be