The Emotional Problem Of The Handicapped Child

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This panel of the Northwestern University Reviewing Stand discusses the topic, "The Emotional Problem of the Handicapped Child." The guests are M. David Allweiss, Northwestern University Medical School, and Michael Reese Hospital;
R.L. Fawcett, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Mayo Clinic; and Boyd R. McCandless, Iowa Child Welfare Research Station at the University of Iowa. James H. McBurney of Northwestern University moderates the discussion

They discuss how to define a handicap and different types of disabilities or diseases that could be considered handicaps such as diabetes. They describe the experience of the child, awareness of their difference which may cause tendencies to withdraw and when is the best time to explain the disability to the child. The panelists agree that the children should not be quarantined or denied opportunities to participate because of their disability. McCandless explains, "If you think of growing up like running a hundred yard dash, it's simply harder to run a prize-winning hundred yard dash carrying a 20-pound sack of sand under your arm, this is the official title of a handicap."

Dr. Fawcett takes issue with the use of "handicapped child" versus "child with a handicap".


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 150708
Municipal archives id: LT5960