According to mourning theory, when are parents most receptive to information related to their child with disabilities?

The most receptive time for parents to absorb information regarding their child with disabilities is after they have gained confidence in coping with their situation. This is rooted in mourning theory, which suggests that parents experience a grieving process upon learning about their child's disability. Initially, they may be overwhelmed with a range of emotions, including denial, anger, and sadness. As parents progress through this emotional journey and develop coping strategies, they begin to feel more empowered and able to process information.

Once they have established a degree of confidence in managing their child's needs, they are more open to seeking and integrating new information that can assist them in advocating for and supporting their child effectively. This period is crucial for fostering a proactive approach toward care and decision-making, as parents are more likely to be motivated to learn about interventions, educational strategies, and resources available for their child's development. Conversely, during the initial diagnosis, parents may be too distressed to fully engage with or retain new information, and acceptance of the disability might come at different times, not necessarily correlating with being open to new information.