Emotional responses
Many of the mothers realized that there was something
wrong with their child Although the diagnosis legitimated
their concerns, they, nevertheless, were bewildered,
shocked and confused, as well as frightened, anxious and
angry Because they did not believe or could not comprehend
the implications of the diagnosis, they were unable
to grasp the reality of the diagnosis and envision the future
realistically The ramifications of a long-term health problem
in their child were incomprehensible Nevertheless,
the diagnosis initiated a grief response m the mothers