Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

When you raise a child with a disability, your life is filled with uncertainty. You are filled with complex emotions; questions and you want to do the best for your child. In this three part series, we will discuss raising a child with a disability. Raising children is complex enough without a disability, but it can be simpler for you if you understand your emotions and the system.

After the birth, it’s common to feel shock, guilt and go through a time of mourning. You mourn the child you thought you were going to have. One spouse might be hit harder with reality than the other. Supporting each other is crucial. Families and friends may feel uncomfortable about bringing up the subject, but if you let them know the subject isn’t taboo, they will support you too. All of these feelings are very normal. Parents might experience guilt and think it is their fault that the baby has a disability. Often the baby has a disability just because that is how life is. Not everything has a reason, but you’re left to deal with reality. Causation usually isn’t the parent’s fault, it might be the hospital’s error, but no matter whose fault it is, the consequences are the same.

In time, the guilt, mourning, and shock will subside. You can join support groups< http://www.our-kids.org/> and see you aren’t alone. You will love your beautiful baby, and want to raise him or her the best way possible. Just because they have a disability doesn’t make them less human or valuable. They have something to offer in the world and should have the opportunity to do so. The disability only makes them unique and special. Many people live a long, successful life regardless of their disability.

Early intervention is a great start at helping your baby and can begin at infancy. Early intervention gives physical, occupational Easter Seals, massage and speech therapy. The earlier the better because babies respond well to therapy. Therapy can help them function in time. Yet, therapy is not a cure. Places like Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy can assist you with finding a good early intervention program in your area. These organizations can also provide you with respite care. Respite care is having someone reliable stay with your child so you can get some alone time. It is very important that you take care of yourself as well. You need to take a break and not let stress rule your life.

Your family is on an incredible journey. Yes, it will be stressful and you might want to give up, but don’t. You’re raising the future and in the end, it will be worth it. Please check out the links page because I have listed some informative sites for you and your baby. Visit the message board and share your experiences raising a child with a disability. Next week, we will discuss childhood and the disability. Is inclusion right for your child? Come back and get some advice.