Background:

To face the diagnosis of the disability of a child can cause a situation of family emotional vulnerability that requires time and depends on external and internal help strategies and the family context.

Objective:

To analyze the behavior of mothers after the diagnosis of the disability of the child.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional, exploratory and qualitative study. Twenty mothers of children with neurological disabilities were enrolled in the university outpatient clinic in a municipality of Minas Gerais. Semi-structured interviews were carried out on the confrontation process and the analysis of thematic content of the information.

Results:

The reports highlighted maternal frustration, guilt and responsibility, aggravated by difficulties in adapting to the physical limitations of children, by the lack of support and technical preparation of health services and professionals. However, family support and spirituality promoted acceptance, support, and encouragement. In addition to technical training, maternal religious beliefs brought new perspectives to attention.

Conclusion:

It is necessary to promote a network of relationships between mothers and family members in the same situation, in order to guarantee healthy and inclusive child development, especially when services and public policies are insufficient.

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