| Chances are, when you decided to sign up for a child, | | | | gets. They may be embarrassed to seen with their |
| you did not put in a special order for a child with a | | | | disabled siblings or worried that they may end up with |
| disability. Children always bring many surprises into a | | | | the illness or disability as well. |
| parents life, but a special needs child, bring more than | | | | On the other hand, having a sibling with a disability can |
| their fair share of growth opportunities and challenges, | | | | also teach a non disabled child empathy, pride and |
| to their parents. | | | | compassion, many positive traits very lacking in today's |
| The first set of challenges, we look forward to is, | | | | society. It is very important to give the siblings a lot of |
| dealing with the medical professionals. Finding a | | | | information on the disability, and answers any questions |
| diagnosis, getting a second opinion, seeing what can be | | | | they have, as honestly as possible. Let them |
| done about the disability or the illness. So many | | | | understand that they don't have to be a "super Kid" to |
| questions and a very scary time. Then begins the | | | | make up for what their brother or sister cannot do... |
| research and learning all we can about the disability or | | | | Time alone with each child is very important, and listen |
| the illness...the learning curve starts! | | | | to their concerns. This can go a long way in creating a |
| Way too soon after the medical round-a-bout, and the | | | | family where the disability is one small part of the |
| therapy flurry, you have worry about the next issue, | | | | whole picture. |
| educating your child. This is where other parents of | | | | So, you didn't sign up for this, but got given it in any |
| special needs children and your support team are so | | | | case...take all the little pieces that make up your life, |
| important, to help navigate school life, homework, | | | | look at each of them, and make them work for you, |
| therapies and Lift clubs. | | | | and you will realise that getting more than you asked |
| But your education does not stop here...once you have | | | | for, is not a punishment, but a blessing in disguise! |
| mastered the medical, educational and day-today | | | | SO WHAT A PARENT TO DO? |
| crises of raising a child with a disability, you now need | | | | So where to from here... |
| to add the emotional side of things as well. You are | | | | - The disability has become your new hobby; learn all |
| not the only one grieving for the lost potential of your | | | | you can about about it from when your child is little to |
| child, or worrying about their future, there are the | | | | adulthood. |
| siblings and your partner to consider as well. Everyone | | | | - Realise that your family is no longer like "normal" |
| grieves and worries differently, and especially when | | | | families. Quick trips to the shops, last minute long |
| your child has a progressive disorder, this is a process | | | | weekend's etc .are all a thing of the past. But look on |
| that will keep repeating itself. having a child with a | | | | the bright side, your organisational and planning skills, as |
| disability puts a lot of stress on a marriage, so don't be | | | | well as your advocating skills will grow in leaps and |
| scared to go for counselling, if things get to tough. | | | | bounds. |
| There are many therapists who can help you reach | | | | - Take time for yourself and your partner away from |
| an emotional balance within your family, to help you | | | | the disability. This is very important as having to deal |
| cope better. | | | | with a disabled child daily, can either cause you to pull |
| Now, what about your other children? Some siblings | | | | together as a team or fall apart. Use the support of |
| may feel resentment towards the disabled child, | | | | your family and friends. |
| because of the amount of your time it takes away | | | | I know I didn't sign up for this, but would I want it any |
| from them or the amount of attention the other child | | | | other way... probably not! |