Coping: For Parents of Children with Disabilities
Developmental disabilities refer to lifelong impairments which are either cognitive (mental) or physical in nature. These disabilities generally manifest before the age of eighteen and are distinctive from developmental delays. The first step to dealing with the issue is by learning all about it.
What are the various causes?
Developmental disabilities develop from numerous factors. One of the most common reasons is very premature birth. This deprives the child of the chance to grow inside the mother’s womb. As you may have already figured, time spent inside the womb is vital for an infant to totally develop. It’s important to note that this scenario doesn’t affect all premature births.
Additional factors that brings about the disability include a brain injury or infection before, during, or after birth. Throughout the first few months of a baby’s life, their head is still very soft as the skull hasn’t yet fully formed. That is why you should take utmost care when dealing with a baby’s head. The shaking of a baby may also result in long-term implications.
Chromosome and gene abnormalities can also lead to such disabilities. Highly relevant to this is the chance for pre or post-natal growth nutrition problems. That is why most doctors advocate a strict pre-natal process for pregnant women. Drug use and abuse also enhances the potential for giving birth to kids with disabilities.
Coping
Parents of youngsters with disabilities often find themselves weighed down once they find out about their child’s condition. Discovery can happen upon birth, after an accident or illness, or as the child grows older. The feeling you get having an impaired child can be likened to the feelings of losing someone you care about. Being a parent, it is natural to want a bright future for the child. This is when the misery comes into play. The loss doesn’t have to do with the person but to the hopes you might have had.
These changes can put a lot of stress in any relationship. In fact, parents commonly report emotions of anger, frustration, guilt and sadness. Whether or not you like it or not, you might find yourself wondering “why?” Seeking the guidance of a professional is the ideal initial step. Use this chance not just to discover ways to cope but to educate yourselves with regards to the likely special needs your child may have.
When looking at this kind of situation, moms and dads of youngsters with disabilities have to make sure to be strong. Do not forget that the strength you exhibit is not just for you, but your child as well. Keep in mind that despite the situation, your kid can easily still live a contented, healthy, and fruitful life. Reinforce that idea not just to your kids, but to yourself too.
In any case, the quality of your child’s life doesn’t depend on their abilities. Even though your child won’t fit the traditional definition of normal, his or her life could still be positive. Do not ever ignore that fact.
Mary Jones is a single mom to child with developmental disabilities and has began a foundation to assist children with disabilities.
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