Original article
Studies of the school-age child with meningomyelocele: Social and emotional adaptation*

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Thirteen school-age children with meningomyelocele and their families underwent intensive social service interviews and psychiatric evaluation. A good to fair adaptation was found in 7 of the children and in 5 of the parents. Divorce or separation occurred in 6 of the families studied. Both parents and children used a wide variety of adjustment mechanisms. Social and emotional factors appeared to be stronger determinants of adaptation than severity of physical impairment. Communication between the physician and the family was crucial in the adjustment process. The data indicate a need for initial and long-term family support. Psychiatric screening is valuable in identifying patients in need of help. Timely intervention could serve to modify psychopathology and improve the chance for a more successful adaptation.

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Supported in part by a grant from the National Foundation-March of Dimes.

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