ABSTRACT
The family itself is an evolving social and cultural unit with a history, a life-style and a structure that preceded the entry of the damaged child into its midst. As the family moves through its life-cycle, its future course is moulded by the same variety of social forces that affect all families, as well as by the demands of the damaged child. There is no evidence here to suggest that the presence of a handicapped child radically alters normal patterns of joint outings for the parents. It is true that some mothers said that they felt that it was difficult to find anyone really capable of caring for their children, particularly if the child was subject to fits, but their attitudes in general were very similar to those of parents of normal 1-year-old children. Baby-sitting has meant having someone to care for the child in his own home, usually after he has gone to bed.
