[The psychodynamics in families with a handicapped child].

Parental reactions to the birth of a handicapped child are reported. The effect on the wish to give birth to further children after a handicapped child has been born is described on the basis of objective data. Thereafter irrational reactions to the birth of a handicapped child are discussed. Topics as feelings of guilt, anxiety, aggression, problems of adolescence and possibilities of psychotherapeutic aid are mentioned. Finally a case study from a Community Youth- and Family Counseling Center is given.