When You Find Out Your Child Has A Disability
This is a new beginning for you… you have found out that your child has a disability. You’re trying to deal with the shock and you’re sorting through the grief of unmet expectations. Also, let’s not forget the resentment, the fear, and the guilt. I understand because I have been there…. twice. These feelings are perfectly normal.
Eventually, you become ready to figure out just how your life will be with a special needs child. You have control over what should or should not be done.
Begin with a little research.
Find out everything you can about your child’s disability. Knowledge is power, and you need all the power you can get right now. Learning is going to be your key to success. Remember, putting knowledge into practice produces wisdom.
Your child’s doctor will have some information that will be helpful to you and your family. Start searching the internet for even more information. You can then sort through and apply the things that will help you cope with the specific needs of your child. Also, keep in mind that some advice is not applicable to your situation, and only use the advice that works for you and your baby.
Find Support
Be sure to find support for yourself and your family. Support groups can be quite helpful to those that have a child with a disability. Remember that support groups are not all about sitting in a circle and venting your frustrations, though that is an important aspect of the group. Support groups offer new parents tips for coping and information on how to efficiently and effectively care for your child. Extended family can also attend these meetings so that they can learn how to be a support person for you.
Find Care For Your Child, If Needed
One of the most important things you will do is find trustworthy sources that can provide quality care for your child. Many daycares do not train their employees to care for special needs children because there is little funding. Your doctor, therapist, social worker, or support group will have information that will help you find someone to care for your child whom you can fully trust.
Find Time For Your Other Family Members
You may feel like this new and unexpected development has taken over your entire life, but it is important for you to remember there are other family members to nurture. If you have older children, make opportunities to spend individual time with each child, and also a time when the whole family interacts with one another.
Find Time For Yourself
Be sure to find time for yourself. Go play that round of golf or have that pedicure. Remember that your child is counting on you. You cannot afford to neglect your own needs. If you want to be there for your child, you must remember to take care of yourself!
Books That Helped Me
I’ve made a list of a few books that helped me get through this difficult time. Some of them are older books, but you can probably find a used copy. I will add a link to each one to make them easier to find.
A Difference In The Family: Living With A Disabled Child – by Helen Featherstone
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children With Special Needs – by Jack Canfield, Victor Hansen, Heather McNamara, and Karen Simmons
A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children With Special Needs – by Colleen Sell
Support
This is a lot of good info. Thanks for sharing!
This is a very helpful post. I’m a special education preschool teacher in a public school system. I’d like to add that parents and caregivers should speak to their school district and inform them of a diagnosis so that they can assist the family in obtaining special education services, if necessary.
Yes, very true. Thanks!