Two major theories pertain to how family members respond to the birth
of an infant with a disability. Stage theory holds that family members
negotiate a series of stages, or phases, that begins with shock or disbe-
lief and culminates in acceptance. The other prominent theory suggests that
parents experience lifelong sadness, or chronic sorrow. A third model might
suggest that some families experience a combination of the two.

Since the birth of a child with a disability is experienced as a traumatic
and life-altering event, there has been considerable interest in the initial and
subsequent responses of family members to this occurrence. A number of ef-
forts have been made to chart the phases or stages parents experience after
they have been informed of their child's disability. Blacher ( 1984) listed 24
studies that present some variant of stage theory. Before we explore these re-
actions to the birth of a child with a disability, however, it is essential to ac-
knowledge that before childbirth, most parents have a limited experience
with disability.

Most parents have had limited personal experiences with persons who have
disabilities prior to their child's birth. Although there is exposure to disabil-
ity issues on television and in human interest stories in newspapers, many
people hold stereotypes, stigmatizing attitudes, and misinformation about
persons with disabilities.

-38-