Grief is one of the most common reactions parents have when they find out their child has developmental disabilities.
Shock, anger, sadness, fear, and resentment also come in.
Parents of children with disabilities cope better when they are supported by families.
Through this, the additional burden of physical and emotional care decreases.
Talking about your problems with other parents will be a big help.
In the long-term, caring for the child may become easier as parents learn to cope and adapt the necessary skills.
Depending on the severity of the disability, most children with disabilities need regular medical attention, time in hospital, and therapy.
This is in addition to the extra care they should receive at home.
Some even need constant supervision.
The stress of caring for a disabled child commonly causes anxiety or depression among the parents.
Besides affecting the parental relationship, these can have a great effect on the family's finances as well.
Parents of children with disabilities also worry that their other children may feel neglected.
On the other hand, parents who have a positive outlook tend to cope in a healthier way.
Many parents are clueless about the valuable information contained in the child's medical records.
Knowing what's there can help make smart decisions.
If you fear that your child is developing a disability, here are methods to help you find out.
- The paper or note cards method.
Write down notes right after something unexpected happens.
When someone share alarming stories about the child, be sure to jot them down, too.
Collect the child's drawings and other creations.
They can provide important insights during medical consultations.
Also take note of the child's weight.
Oftentimes, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication that something is wrong with the child.
If the BMI is below the 5th percentile, they are likely underweight.
If BMI exceeds the 85th percentile, they are overweight.
If you get these results, it is advisable to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
- Checklist method.
Make up a list of categories and watch the child's behavior or reaction.
Be objective.
Write down only what the child actually does or says, not your interpretation of the behavior.
Again, show the results to your doctor for assessment.
Parents and families of disabled children should be empowered to have a stronger voice.
It is best to wait for your doctor's advice rather than solving the case on your own.
If you have a child with developmental disabilities, you might want to keep the following in mind: - Children with special needs are children first.
They need love, acceptance, friends, opportunities to participate, and chances to excel.
Do not focus on what your child can or cannot do, focus on the individual strengths.
- Feel free to ask other professionals, such as therapists and specialists about your situation.
- Develop a plan with the family to addresses the child's specific needs.
- Keep communication lines open.
Contact your family members and therapists, whenever you feel you need additional guidance.