Supporting A Child With An Illness Or Disability

Raising a child with a disability can be very challenging and have a significant impact on both of your lives. Whether your child has a developmental issue, a physical disability, or a sensory impairment it can potentially affect you in different ways.

While every parent has their fears about their child and how to best provide for them, these fears are often magnified for parents with children with disabilities. These fears can result in different emotional challenges that vary from parent to parent.

Potential Emotional Impact

Fear and worry about:

• Your child’s pain and suffering
• Your child’s future
• The question of whether you are doing enough or doing the right things to help
• Being able to manage and navigate your child’s medical care
• Advocating for your child whether it be in the classroom or at social events
• Financial stability – caring for a child with a disability can be costly due to medical expenses, therapy, cost of equipment, etc.

Guilt over:

• The loss of attention toward your other children or your partner
• Your jealousy and resentment of those with “normal” children
• Your ability to protect your child

Feelings of isolation:

• Feeling like an outsider around other parents
• Encountering criticism and judgement of your parenting style from others who do not understand the child’s disability
• Missing out on social events (family or friends) because the child’s disability prevents them from participating successfully

Grief over:

• The loss of hopes and dreams you had for your child and family
• Not having the parenting experience you imagined for yourself
  Reminders of what your child is missing out on