Background:

The trajectory of health and special education professionals delivering care and support to children with special health care needs (CSHCN) is challenging and requires specific training and bonding.

Objective:

To understand the trajectory and bonding of a multi-professional team with CSHCN in an Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children (APAE).

Methodology:

This is a descriptive and qualitative study, with 19 professionals working in an APAE clinic and school, using semi-structured interviews submitted to thematic content analysis.

Results:

The evidence shows the relevance of the bond formed with the multi-professional team for the children’s and adolescents’ development and how the shared care, experiences, search for knowledge, and affection exchanges strengthen the relationship between professionals and CSHCN.

Conclusion:

The challenges of working with this population shape the professionals’ trajectories. Over time, they bond with CSHCN and become emotionally attached to them and their work. Including the specificities of special needs-related care in these professionals’ training is recommended.

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