Publisher's Synopsis
Despite many studies of families where there is a child with a learning disability, it is clear that such children do not, from the beginning of their life, enjoy the same opportunities as others. inequality is also experienced by their carers, almost always parents, in their day-to-day lives. This study, through the views of carers, considers the formal and informal networks used by families. The book is in two parts. Part one reviews the literature and introduces the research. Part two gives basic qualitative and quantative information about the subjects of the study, includes detailed care studies and examines the kind of support received. This provides a picture of the resources families use, and helps identify gaps in the support that is available. The book concludes with the arguments for a holistic approach to services for families and looks at what remains to be done to meet their needs.