Illinois
School for the Visually Impaired
658 East State Street • Jacksonville, Illinois
62650-2130
Toll Free: 800-919-5617 • Voice: 217-479-4400 • TTY: 217-479-4415 • Fax:
217-479-4479
www.isvi.net • E-mail:
ISVI
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February's Tips For Parents Article from The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) website http://www.nasw.org had the following information for parents of students who have special needs. The information was taken from a report from Lydia Abrams, MSW, LCSW. She has a private practice in Tampa, Florida. She provides support group and counseling services to parents and primary caregivers of children with special needs. To visit Lydia Abrams’ web site go to www.specialparentsupport.com . She writes the following information: Many parents and primary caregivers of children with special needs are faced with unexpected challenges and emotions. However, they are not alone. Although their individual experiences may differ, many parents/primary caregivers have similar emotional dynamics. Children with special needs include, but are not limited to, those with medical/health issues, Autism Spectrum disorders, developmental delays, speech/feeding issues, blind/visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, physical disabilities, chronic diseases, behavioral or mental health issues, premature birth, sensory issues, and learning disabilities.
Many parents/primary caregivers can learn to cope with the demands of parenting
a child with special needs once they learn about the emotions with which they
are dealing and how to address them. What Emotions Might Parents/Primary Caregivers Experience? Not all parents/primary caregivers may experience these emotions. However, it is helpful for them to be aware of the various emotions involved and to realize that their experiences and feelings are normal.
* Loss of the “perfect baby/child” that was anticipated * Hopes and plans for child’s future
* Lifestyle prior to child’s birth or diagnosis Anger * Toward themselves, partner, child * Medical system * Educational system * Treatment team
* Religious belief system Guilt * Unable to protect child * Child’s suffering * Less attention toward other children * Relationship with partner
* Less focus on self Feelings of Isolation * Depressed * Unable to leave home * Not wanting to interact with others
* Avoid having to explain child’s conditions and answer * Resentment toward others with “normal children”
* “No one else understands” what they are going
* Can sense that other people are uncomfortable around * Financially unable to do activities * Difficulty meeting child’s needs outside of home
* Lack of accommodations Low Self Esteem
* Interactions with many professionals who assign
* “Right parenting decisions” under normal Fears * Child’s future * Educational needs * Ability to live independently when older * Safety * Possible death * Stable relationship with partner * Own mental health
* Next “crisis” Feeling Overwhelmed * Lack of prior medical or advocacy experiences
* Learning details of child’s special needs and about * Managing appointments for various specialists
* Dealing with insurance coverage and financial * Advocating for accommodations * Managing time
* Some individuals may become forgetful, miss Feeling Detached * Over-involvement in work or other activities * Feelings of despair and hopelessness
* Detachment in other areas of life due to focus on Other Stressors * Balancing career and family * Lack of accommodations for child * Child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) * Attempting to meet needs of other family members * Making choices regarding child’s treatment * Dealing with other people’s reactions and opinions * Decrease in support system; sleep deprivation * Poor eating habits * Lack of exercise
How can parents/primary caregivers care for themselves and move forward? Find a support system.
* Meet and interact with other families of children with * Locate or start a support group * Seek discussion boards on the internet * Re-establish relationship with partner * Locate a therapist to address feelings
* Surround self with nurturing people that are accepting
* Utilize a treatment team that is supportive and Find Balance * Exercise * Find enjoyable social activities * Work outside of home * Meditate * Fun activities as a family * “Alone time” with partner
* Utilize a babysitter Read
* Books by other parents/primary caregivers of children
* Enjoyable books/magazines Acknowledge Positive Aspects of Child and Life * Recognize that the child is a fighter * See gains the child has made * Realize own wisdom and strength
* Involvement in other children’s lives Love the Child for the Person He/She Is
* Identify what child has instead of what he/she does not
* Acknowledge child as an individual who may have
* Learn to accept child for who he/she is Other Options
* Attempt to focus on the present instead of the future:
* Gain understanding that life is about change: All * Utilize religious/spiritual resources and beliefs.
* Practice assertiveness skills: With treatment team,
* Remember that taking care of yourself is important to |
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