This thesis reports a study which explored children's understanding and experience of spina bifida. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 children aged 8-11 years with spina bifida. A grounded theory approach was used to develop 'theories' from the data. Analysis of the data suggest that all participants were aware of 'being different' from their "normal" able-bodied siblings and peers and that many identified themselves in terms of having spina bifida; they spoke about being picked on, teased and about other types of bullying; and all of them disliked their physical appearance. Several ways of coping with spina bifid a were also talked about by the children. Knowledge about spina bifida tended to be functional and obtained from parents; most of the participants reported that little information about treatment was given by medical professionals which seemed to contribute to anxiety regarding treatment and hospitalization. The implications of the findings for clinical practice and further research are considered.