Married with Special-Needs Children

  This book takes an honest look at the various ways that a child with special needs can affect a marriage.  It discusses how it can make it more difficult for a marriage to thrive and how a child’s intensive needs can change the basic structure of a marriage. The authors examine many of the underlying stresses and common pitfalls among couples.  It looks at the effects when parents have different coping mechanisms and expectations of their child.  Communication breakdowns and difficulties resolving conflicts are discussed.

  Marshak and Prezant give a wide range of strategies to help parents handle or prevent these problems.  They also describe what makes a marriage strong, such as continuing to share connections outside of parenting roles, keeping a sense of autonomy, and sharing childcare responsibilities.  Parents get advice about the importance of romance and intimacy and the benefits of finding time for each other even when they feel too tired or overwhelmed.

  The book deals with serious marital troubles and divorce considerations.  Throughout are quotes from husbands and wives, offering special insight into what was especially difficult for them, what solutions they’ve discovered, and what they wished they’d done differently.

  For parents looking for ways to strengthen their marriage, prevent future strife, or resolve or move on from significant relationship difficulties, this guide offers guidance and expertise for taking the next step.  This book is also invaluable to mental health professionals as it gives a realistic view of what many of their clients are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.