Identification of severe mental handicap.

Parents of 212 severely educationally handicapped children ESN(S) were asked about the circumstances of the identification of their child's handicap. Findings for the group as a whole were similar to those quoted in other studies but varied significantly according to the clinical group of the child. The 'no specific pathology' group gives cause for most concern: identification of these children occurs later, and is further delayed from the time that parents become anxious, than it is for children in other groups. Since 'no specific pathology' children may benefit as much or perhaps more from early intervention as do children in the more easily identifiable groups, attention should be paid to means of recognition and of giving appropriate help and support to their parents.