Moving on

Moving on


When you are told your child has a disability, it’s bound to be a shock. Suddenly, you feel different—set apart from other people. Your child seems different too. It’s hard to adjust. You may begin to wonder:
• Why did this happen to me?
• Is it something I did or didn’t do?
• Is it from my side of the family?
• How is this going to turn out?
Most parents of disabled children have these questions. That’s why they need support. They need to resolve their own feelings before they can help their child deal with the disability. Fortunately,
there are many sources of help for disabled children and their families.
So, if you have a disabled child or suspect that you may:
• Get a complete diagnosis as soon as possible.
• Be realistic about the disability, but provide the oppor- tunities for growth every child needs.
• Treat your child as a regular member of the family.
• Seek out support groups and professional organizations for disabled children and their parents.
What can you hope for a disabled child? Some disabled children will need supervision or physical care all of their lives. A few may have to live in a special home or an institution. But a great many will become self-supporting, marry, and have children
of their own.
Whatever the disability, your child needs opportunities to grow and “become,” just like any child.