It is especially difficult to work with kids that have both mental and emotional disabilities. Behavioral issues are hard to address when the child has trouble understanding basic instructions and following through with them. While medication can help greatly with some behavior issues, there are side effects and the problems are not really resolved.
The first concern must be preventing the child from harming themselves or others. Admitting that other siblings might be in danger is very difficult for parents to do. Parents never want to face the possibility that one of their children might be dangerous to another. The parents have already had to accept that the child is not normal, and this makes them feel that their entire family will be abnormal.
Many parents are reluctant to give their children medications that might help control behavioral issues. They are sometimes afraid of the medication, its side effects or admitting that their problems are that severe. Every parent wants to believe their love is all their children really need.
It is quite common for parents to agree to the medication and stop administering it as soon as the child shows improvement. The parents want to believe that their children are really getting better and no longer need the medication.
Family counseling is often helpful for families going through such a cycle. Therapists can help families see the issues from a clinical perspective, and get away from the patterns of guilt and blame that sometimes occur in parents and siblings of disabled children. A therapist can help families establish a healthy dynamic that includes proper medication and a healthy attitude and acceptance of the situation.
A complete and accurate diagnosis of any mental or emotional disorder is critical in establishing the treatment plan and prognosis. Families can better deal with the issues that arise when they know what they are dealing with.