ABSTRACT
It should be clear by now that good practice when caring for children with disabilities in the acute setting requires close collaboration both with the families themselves, and with all other professionals, from health, education and social services, who are involved with the child and family. The difficulties experienced by nurses when attempting to do this may be reflected in the difficulties experienced by the child/young person themselves. It seems that every aspect of life that most of us take for granted is not only more difficult but often dependent on the help of others. If we consider the difficulties many of us so-called able-bodied people have, in asking for help with everyday matters, then it becomes possible to begin to understand the painful reality that is often the lives of those with a disability and especially those with a learning disability.
