Adolescer com deficiência mental: A ótica dos pais

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to understand the meaning adolescence has for parents of adolescents with mental disability. The methodology used was the narrative analysis according to the guidelines of Thompson (1998) and Byron-Good (1996). Although the parents identified some typical characteristics of adolescence in their children, not always they did in fact consider them adolescents due to their lack of autonomy. Quite often the parents did not meet the family life education needs of their disabled children helping them to become more independent. The lack of information about how to act in face of the behavioral changes involved in adolescence was a source of resentment. In view of the importance of greater autonomy, actions should be developed to help these adolescents recognize this stage of human development and to live this period the best way possible. When- mentally disabled adolescents are given the opportunity to improve their competences and abilities and to expand their "horizon", they will be able to become more autonomous and able to live all stages of life in a satisfactory way.