[Stigmatization of language impaired children from the parents' perspective].

Stigmatization can strongly affect the social integration of children and adolescents with developmental and behavioral disorders. The goal of the study was to investigate negative and positive labeling of speech-language impaired children as perceived by their parents. We analyzed 386 parental questionnaires on stigmatization by and support from other children, family members and other adults. Half of the parents reported stigmatization of their child. They perceived negative labeling and exclusion most frequently in the child's peer group, but also among family members. Support was more common than negative labeling, however. There was a strong positive relationship between negative labeling and behavioral problems. Parents of children with developmental and behavioral disorders often perceive stigmatization of their child. Therefore, in counseling such families child and adolescent psychiatrists should address this issue adequately and recommend appropriate coping strategies.