Scientific research on the psychology of happiness has resulted in a great deal of knowledge that should apply to families of children with special needs. Instead, diagnosis of childhood disability most often leads to a description of 'worst case scenarios' and explanations of the stages of grief.

Families of teens and adults who have grown up with a childhood disability have often learned different ways of approaching both mundane and difficult situations indirectly related to a condition or illness. Parents who are fortunate enough to be in contact with others raising an older son or daughter with the same diagnosis may find that the strategies they have learned over time are the primary reason for the success and mental wellness of their children and the rest of the family.

When my son was young, I participated in a university study to measure the values parents hold who care for a child with a disability. As I recall, there was a comparison between what we perceived as positives in life and what we actually experienced as parents. When what mattered most was what we most valued, we were said to have integrity. Most interesting to me was that the values I took for granted before my children were born were those that I prized after I became a mother. For me, the measure was not of integrity but happiness.

I recently enjoyed a PBS television show featuring lecturer Tal Ben-Shahar, who has for several years been teaching a course on the 'science of happiness' at Harvard University called "Positive Psychology." As I watched "Happiness 101" I was struck many times by the similarities between what he described from psychology research on anxiety, stress and depression and the experiences of families raising children with disabilities. Likewise, the strategies and practical knowledge resulting from that research reminded me of the most successful families I have met who include a son or daughter growing up with physical, intellectual or emotional challenges.

Studies showing that most doctors and medical students feel that information about Down syndrome was inadequate or completely missing during their medical school training inspired parents and advocates to expand their efforts to educate all medical professionals about the potential and actual accomplishments of children and adults who have Trisomy 21.

It may be just as important for those working with families of children who have disabilities that current research in mental wellness and positive psychology are included in professional training. Our families deserve practical advice and up to date information that has been documented by scientists and researchers in the past decade. Once again, we may need to become the experts in 'Positive Psychology' in order to help educate the many professionals and caregivers in our children's lives.

Practicing the steps recommended by Positive Psychology research gives a new depth of meaning to 'quality time' and early intervention. It does not mean that we must give up cultural or family traditions that nurture and inspire us; it is more likely to enhance them.

Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for DVDs, Books or Audio CDs by Tal Ben-Shahar, like: Happiness 101 with Tal Ben-Shahar; and Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Perfection and Gratitude in Childhood Disability
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art64366.asp

Your local PBS television station may offer combinations of books, DVDs and CDs from Tal Ben-Shahar during pledge drives that support public television.

Visit the Positive Psychology home page at http://www.talbenshahar.com/
An online non-credit class is available from the University of Pennsylvania:
Foundations of Positive Psychology
http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/online/non_credit/fpp