Researchers with the Institute for Health and Disability at the University of Minnesota looked at family strengths in their study focusing on characteristics of families that contribute to positive outcomes. Families are not preoccupied about why the condition happened.
Family members manage the demands of the child within the context of family life.
Families have a coherent explanation of the cause of their child's condition that is consistent with the world view. How families explain and think about disability impacts their ability to move ahead and find stability. When they can explain the disability in such a way that makes sense to them and fits their beliefs, they are more likely to find coping strategies that allow them to move ahead with their lives. Resilience includes taking action to address a stressful situation. Resilient families actively learn about the disability and find needed services for their child.