PARENTAL STRESS, CARE DEMANDS, AND USE OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SCHOOL-AGE-CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Data were obtained from mothers and fathers of children (N = 231) with mental retardation (MR) or chronic illness (CI), and a nondisabled be havior-problems sample. Mothers identified fewer behavior problems in children with MR and more in children with CI than did teachers. The p resence of significant behavior problems was more important than disab ility type in determining most forms of parental stress, and predicted mental health services use. MR group parents worried most about provi ding ongoing care into adulthood. Single mothers were not more stresse d, but used more services than two-parent families. The results call f or a wider array of community and family support services that target children with disabilities who have behavior problems.