Families often experience chronic stress when a child is diagnosed with a disability of any kind.

Medical appointments, frequent and often costly procedures and treatments, time away from work and basic uncertainty are a few of the stressors.

Feelings of loss and grief are common. Parents report their dreams and ambitions for their child and family are lost when they learn about the disability.

Many parents experience guilt, fearing they could have prevented the condition somehow.

Siblings may experience survivor guilt, wondering why they are healthy and the new sibling is not.

The divorce rate among couples who have a child with a disability is higher than that of other couples.

It is more important than ever to make ways to take care of yourself and your relationship.

It is also important to teach your other children to help out around the house and in the family.

Siblings need to have as normal a life as possible; being involved in school events and programs and enjoying their friends while still helping with age-appropriate chores, etc.

Ways to Reduce the Risks

1. Maintain open communication about the disorder, the prognosis, etc. However, take care to only share what is age-appropriate with children.
2. Find a support network. Friends, family members, neighbors, support groups and other providers are critical lifelines.
3. Ask for help when needed. Recruit family members, friends and neighbors to help with things like transporting kids to activities/car-pooling, shopping and other errands and trips. Line up sitters who are trained to provide care to a child with special needs.
4. Raise your child with a disability to be as independent as possible. Begin at an early age to foster independence and encourage your child to be all s/he can be within his/her limitations.
5. Use the circumstances to promote resilience. Raising a child with a disability can make you, your relationship with your spouse/partner and your family stronger if you approach it the right way. Look for the hidden opportunities for growth, for you, your family, children and relationship. (Pierce, L. (2014.). Parenting a Child With a Physical Disability. Theravive.)

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