Emotional and Behavioral Encounters of Children with Parental Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and is prevalent among adults who have school-age children. Persons diagnosed with MS often experience physical and psychological disabilities that are likely to affect the health of children, other family members, and their caregivers. Children whose parents have MS are at a higher risk for experiencing socioemotional and behavioral issues when compared to their counterparts (Armistead, Klein & Forehand, 1995; Bjorgvinsdottir & Halldorsdottir, 2014; Razaz, Nourian, Marrie & Tremlett, 2014), and have often been labeled as “at risk”. The socioemotional and behavioral risks incurred by these children have interfered with their school attendance, performance, and academic success, exemplifying the need for early interventions that prevent and mitigate associated challenges. Therefore, this paper will: (a) discuss literature pertaining to Multiple Sclerosis and the impact it has on their children, (b) review behavioral and socio-emotional challenges of children whose parents have Multiple Sclerosis, and (c) provide counseling strategies and effective interventions for supporting children of parents with multiple sclerosis