title: Difficulties experienced by families with disabled children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to determine the difficulties experienced by families with disabled children.
  
  
  METHODS
  This descriptive research study was carried out in one public and two private rehabilitation centers. A questionnaire was used for data collection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Families did not have enough knowledge about their child's condition. Mothers felt severe sadness, and they indicated that after having a disabled child, their social life, working life, and family relationships were all affected. Families also have financial problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents with a disabled child need support from professionals. Nurses have a vital role in providing support for these families.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Clinic, Mersin University School of Medicine Research and Administration Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.
authors.forename: Esine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.forename: Sabire
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yurtsever
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006117:Grief; D006167:Guilt; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey