The investigation of the communication level with regard to multiple variables in the parents who have children with mental disabilities

Having a disabled child is a situation that parents never anticipate and they are not prepared for the disabled child's being born. Having a disabled child will inevitably cause some problems, while even having a normal child brings about a lot of responsibilities and economic burden. Parents experience several emotions and reactions once they first learn that their child is disabled. The reactions they experience are shock, denial, pain, depression, conflict, guilt, shame, bargaining, acceptance and adaptation. The families who have disabled children are in need of more different necessities compared to the families who have normal children. These necessities can be information, education, emotional support, care, socialization and financial needs. First of all, the necessities the families are in need of should be determined, and then the services to be provided should be planned. The communication between the parents and the child is important for the positive domestic interaction. The parents' communication with their child can have serious impacts on the personal development of the child. The communication of the parents whose level of acceptance is good, listening ability is improved and who can show empathy can be more constructive and positive. Therefore, taking steps to improve their communication skills is important for the parents. One of the basic rules in the communication is accepting the interlocutor. The parents' acceptance of their child as an individual and showing respect to him or her in all circumstances is important for the communication between the child and the parents.