It is important to recognize that much of the thinking about families at this time was in the context of the child with disabilities as the source of burden.

The report of a 1968 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development conference began with this perspective:

In our society, with its stress on the American Dream of success for all, the [child with developmental disabilities] is a symbol of failure… In the family, he is almost inevitably a burden, even when he is regarded as a valued and beloved member.

 

 

Photo from PCMR Report.