ABSTRACT
Helping an infant or a child afflicted by a developmental problem is a joint endeavour of the therapist and the parents, and the parents’ cooperation is a prerequisite to any intervention. The importance of informed, supportive counselling for the parents of children with developmental deviations cannot be overestimated. Diagnostic assessment, though crucial for effective intervention, is not free of potential side effects. It is always prudent for the therapist to maintain a humble, realistic assessment of his own wisdom and powers. Once a developmental lag has been diagnosed, the parents will wish to know whether and how it can be corrected. The parents need to understand that what seems to be a strange way of doing things or an unreasonable demand may merely be a way of finding a “detour” to bypass impairment. Promoting well-developed abilities, hobbies, requires the cooperation of the parents, especially if it involves demands on their time or finances.
