Caring For Children With Disabilities

Being a parent is kind of like living with your heart outside your body at all times. It’s a constant struggle to seek the best for your child and protect them while allowing them to thrive and grow. And when your child has a disability, it can be even more of a challenge - not only to identify the best resources for them, but also to learn how to support them the best way you can yourself. As per the US Census Bureau data, more than three million children had a disability in 2019. The various unique challenges of raising a child with special needs or a disability are constant and often surprising.

Several developmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy affect a child's physical, mental and emotional health in ways we don’t consider. For instance, children with cerebral palsy typically have poor coordination, balance problems, and difficulty walking, which can affect mental and emotional health in ways that may not be clear on the surface. Getting a good understanding of developmental challenges and spending time to learn more about the types of cerebral palsy is obviously a good start to getting to better understand your children's unique challenges be a better advocate for them throughout their lives.

The Importance Of A Support Group

A support group's effectiveness is based on reducing isolation through contact and interaction with others. Support groups also offer you the opportunity to hold intimate conversations to express your deepest emotions and concerns. As a parent raising a kid with special needs, joining a family or parent support group can be monumentally helpful because you can share your experiences without judgment. Additionally, you don’t have to explain your situation from top to bottom in the same way you may have to with those not in the same boat, which over time, can be incredibly taxing mentally and emotionally.

Sharing your wins and challenges with fellow parents for needed encouragement is vital, in addition to learning additional insight that could come in handy when taking care of your child. In many ways joining a support group for you and your family members is an essential act of self-care.

Fostering Independence

Several parents of children with special needs often wonder if their children would live independent lives. Although this is a usual concern, many experts suggest taking proactive steps to make this independence a reality. Encouraging your children to do things at home when they are young is a safe place to support small acts of independence that give confidence and foster skills. Being held responsible for their laundry and other chores can be an act of empowerment for many children.

Taking public transport or running errands together so your child can get used to navigation outside the home, or having them get involved with everyday transactions such as grocery shopping, running errands, etc. is another great way to gain significant experience and obtain self-confidence that will help them throughout life.

Encourage Play

Playing is therapeutic for all children - but arguably even more so for those with special needs. Keeping them active with learning new skills and exercising is essential to building both body and mind. Getting them involved in group activities like sports, camps, art, and other events to allow them to socialize outside the home environment while fostering new interests and exploration. In addition, allowing them to play with other kids can help them develop confidence and create long-lasting friendships that offer support.