Living at home

Each child prefers to live with their family.
Of course, this is the same for mentally handicapped children.
Nowadays most mentally handicapped babies and children grow up by their parents (and if they have) with their sisters and brothers.
Their family and friends know that they sometimes need extra help with some things.

Mentally handicapped children can stay with their family if they get the help they need.
Sometimes a wheelchair ramp for example is necessary to be made by the entrance of the house. Or, another example, all the doorsteps need to be removed. Also a good contact with the doctor is necessary.

Thiandi, Jose and Jochem

If all the work is too much for the parents, there are volunteers or assistants who can help by making excursions with the child, so that the parents can give all the attention to his or her brothers and sisters. Moreover, there are parents who need professional help with looking for the possibilities of their mentally handicapped child. With possibilities, we mean ways to express their talents and feelings.

Previously mentally handicapped children were put in a children’s homes due to the lack of extra help which was needed by their parents. These mentally handicapped could not be adopted, so they grew up without a family. Nowadays mentally handicapped babies can be adopted or put in a foster home.