Parental adaptation to children with disabilities: A consideration for rehabilitation timing in family-centred care

This article attempted to classify parental adaptations to their children with disabilities (CWD) according to Merton strain theory and also identified the best timing for their inclusion in physical therapy. Parental responses were classified according to Mertonian adaptation and emotional reactions.Of the different anomie adaptation, retreatism was the most common. Adaptation through ritualism and conformity was also found, however, the best timing for parental inclusion in the care process was best during rebellion and innovation.Parents, who were hitherto ignored during caring of their CWD, should be included in the family-centred care within the biopsychosocial model. Effective therapy could be provided by timing parental adaptation prior to their inclusion in the care process.