Parenting A Child With Disabilities

Parenting A Child With Disabilities

Introduction

When parents learn that their child has a disability or a

chronic illness, they begin a journey that takes them

into a life that is often filled with strong emotion,

difficult choices, interactions with many different

professionals and specialists, and an ongoing need for

information and services. Initially parents may feel isolated

and alone, and not know where to begin their search for

information, assistance, understanding, and support.

Just like all children, special needs children need love,

acceptance, friends, opportunities to participate,

and chances to excel. Don’t focus on problems,

focus on the child’s individual strengths.

Did you know?

What are special needs?

• About 6 million kids in America receive special education, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
• One out of every 10 children under the age of 14 have some type of special need, which includes any physical, cognitive, or medical disability, or chronic or life-threatening illness.

"Special Needs" can be mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family.

Staying Educated and Positive

Effects on parents

Most common disorders

Parents with a special needs child tend to always be feeling tired. They never get a break or time to themselves and even when they do they always have something to worry about. They have paperwork to do, doctors appointments, they may have daily therapy for their child the list goes on and on.

When a child is diagnosed it is most important to stay educated. A specialist can tell the child about their disability and it allows them to ask questions. It is important for parents with a disabled child to remember that there are endless resources to rely on for help. Parents must take a positive approach toward the disability and ideas about the possibilities for their child. Finding an organization to specialize in support for children with disabilities and their families is one of many.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning disorders
• Attention disorders
• Conduct disorders

Strengths and weaknesses

Questions

• Do you believe in less severe cases some children can overcome their disablity?
• Do you think it's fair for severely mentally disabled children to live an unfair life with only the decision of their parent to be born?
• Why are so many mentally ill people ending up behind bars? Who is to blame?

Parents may feel jealous that their kid isn't capable of doing things other kids are able to. They may also be jealous of other parents that don't have to do as much work raising their child and that have some time to themselves. These parents are also always worrying. They worry about missing appointments, their child's health, and their future. Dealing with degrading comments and words even if they weren't intentionally meant to be offensive happens on a daily basis. People use the word retarded in their everyday language and don't realize the effect it has on these parents and their children.

Parents must educate their child about strengths and weaknesses – and explain how all people, whether they have a disability or not, have things that they are good at and things they find harder to do. It is important for everyone to work on the areas they find difficult as well as develop their strengths. Every parent dreams of having a perfect child and having all their dreams fulfilled, so it is evident that it is heartbreaking for parents to realize that their child may be limited in what they can and cannot do.

Statistics

Maintaining a strong relationship with a partner

Support

Communication

Raising a child with a disability may be challenging for a couple. That doesn't mean it will have a negative impact on your relationship. Some relationships may be strengthened, through increased communication, shared responsibilities and the development of coping skills. To maintain a strong bond, keep communication open and ensure that you spend time together. It is important for parents to realize that they must stick together through the rough times for the good of their child. To reduce stress parents should share responsibilities and workloads, use support networks and spend quality time together.

There are many different options available for support. Parents can turn to both the natural supports that they have in their lives (ex: family and friends) and assistance available through organizations. Parents have on hand- therapists, or other professionals who provide services. Feel free to ask them as many questions as you need.

Siblings

Learning how to socialize is a part of a child's development, just as speaking, movement and thinking are a part of development. While each child develops at a different rate, parents can help their child increase their social skills. Depending on the severity of the disability putting a child in extracurricular activities can help them discover their hobbies, develop skills, make friends and build confidence. Also create conversation and talk about popular topics in the media, etc...

Through time and events, siblings of a child with a disability may experience a range of emotions. There are times when your child may feel that their brother or sister with a disability is receiving most of your attention, care and concern. At times, your child may feel sensitive or uncertain of how to deal with the reactions of others towards his or her sibling.It is helpful to talk openly with your children about their sibling's disability in a reassuring way. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that what they are experiencing is normal. Take time to talk with them when they need to connect with you.

By: Gabrielle Melanson and Ceara Nold