Getting a diagnosis that your child has special needs or a disability turns parenthood into a marathon overnight. The responsibilities of coordinating therapies, managing behaviours, fighting for support services, and adjusting expectations can overwhelm life. Having walked this path myself, I’ve gained hard-won wisdom applicable to any parent starting the journey with a special needs child. Though challenges will arise, remember to celebrate your child, tend to your wellbeing, and surround yourself with community.
Firstly, get to know your child as an individual first, not a diagnosis. Take joy in their unique personality, interests, and talents. Find activities and hobbies that make them light up, and embrace your role as their cheerleader. Focus on their abilities versus limitations, while still providing supports to nurture growth. Next, don’t be afraid to lean on support systems. Having reliable respite care, family help with tasks, or sitters to let you recharge preserves sanity. Joining support groups connects you with fellow parents who understand the ups and downs. Take advantage of school and community resources available for your child. You don’t have to do this alone.
On hard days, self-care is essential. Give yourself grace, take time for healthy outlets like exercise, and don’t neglect your mental health. Setting small daily goals helps provide a sense of achievement amidst the challenges. Laughing with friends restores energy to keep fighting for your child’s needs. As their advocate, learn to communicate their care plans clearly with teachers, therapists and providers. But also seek their guidance and experience. Choose trusting your parental instinct over guilt when facing tough choices for your child. Their needs may evolve, so continually reassess interventions and resources as they grow.
Patience and adjusting expectations are ongoing necessities. Mourn milestones that arrive differently or later than anticipated, but realize they’ll develop at their own pace. Small steps of progress are still gains. Purposefully focus on their strengths and ability rather than comparing to peers. Finally, appreciate your extraordinary child for who they are in the moment, not who society expects them to become. Sharing their unique perspectives can enlighten others. As their parent, you’ll gain perspective on what matters most in life – loving wholeheartedly. Though the path is long, their soul is bright. Keep sight of their sparkle, and yours.
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