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Normal and bright children of mentally retarded parents: The Huck Finn syndrome

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Abstract

The normal and bright children of mentally retarded parents are statistically a small group, but are at serious risk for adjustment problems. Half those studied had negative adaptions, one-fourth took the parent's role, and one-fourth showed normal adjustment. The most important factor in the differential outcome is the presence, duration, and quality of the parents' social support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laconia School District, 19 Warren Street, 03264, Laconia, New Hampshire

    Audrey Myerson O'Neill

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  1. Audrey Myerson O'Neill
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O'Neill, A.M. Normal and bright children of mentally retarded parents: The Huck Finn syndrome. Child Psych Hum Dev 15, 255–268 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706369

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