The life of a parent raising a child with disabilities can be difficult and isolating. It is important to take care of yourself and your child, but it can be challenging to find the time or energy for self-care when you are caring for someone else every day. 

The information in this blog post will help anyone who has a disabled child understand what it means to be both a caregiver for your child and yourself at the same time. It’ll provide different strategies and ideas on how you can maintain your own health and sanity while still giving quality care to your loved one.

How do you care for a disabled child?

Parents of disabled children have to provide for their kid’s needs in ways that other parents do not. It can be a confusing and challenging time. Aside from meeting basic needs, the following strategies will aid in supporting your child to the best of your abilities.

Understand your child’s diagnosis

When it comes to caring for a disabled child, it’s essential that parents have a thorough understanding of their child’s diagnosis. Initially, this news will likely be daunting and overwhelming; this is often because most people have a surface-level understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Understanding a diagnosis can be an empowering position for both you and your child. It allows you to develop coping and caring strategies. As a starting point to understanding the diagnosis, it’s essential to speak to doctors and healthcare professionals who have experience with various disabilities.

Ask yourself the following questions once you’ve come to terms with the diagnosis: what medication, equipment or treatment can best support them? What symptoms arise with the diagnosis, and how will the diagnosis impact your child’s ability to care for themselves?

Accept their disabilities, as well as their abilities

When caring for a child with a physical or mental disability, it’s important that you do not only focus on their disabilities but the things they can do as well. This will make the job more manageable and keep your spirits up.

Understanding their disability allows you to take precautions for tasks your children cannot do, but it also provides the space to nurture what they can do. Celebrate the achievements and the highs; no matter how small they are, they still have a significant impact on your child’s well-being. 

The early years are critical

The early years are a crucial point in child development. Work on stimulating your child’s brain to ensure it develops to its full potential. Depending on your unique situation, this could involve physical therapy, speech therapy, vision therapy or behaviour programmes. 

The early years also involve communicating your child’s disability with them. This nurtures the elements of acceptance and understanding. 

How do parents cope with a disabled child?

Parenting children with disabilities comes with many challenges. It does take a toll not only emotionally but also physically and financially. There may be times when the weight of the task feels too heavy to bear. However, there are support strategies and tips you can implement to make the task more manageable. 

Finding disabled childcare assistance 

Parenting can be a challenging task and particularly complex when dealing with a physically disabled child – which is why care services for children can be an incredible help. A live-in carer for a disabled child provides 24/7 assistance and support; on the other hand, home carers can add a supportive framework during set times of the week.

Therapy is okay

Find a therapist that will meet both your needs and your child’s needs. Parents all have their own struggles that they go through, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to do or how you should feel. Therapy can help offer a space for people to work through these feelings without judgement.

Reach out to family members and friends

Getting involved in parent-child activities with other disabled kids can be one of the best forms of support. At times, it can feel disheartening speaking to friends and family who don’t quite understand the challenges and diagnosis you are facing. Turning to support groups can be a means of overcoming challenges, developing new understandings and finding ways to better yourself as a parent who needs to care for a disabled child.

Consider the financial assistance options out there

Caring for a disabled child can come with financial challenges, such as medical bills and the need for other resources. Potential government benefits include the Disability Living Allowance and the Child Tax Credit. Apart from this, you can also apply for grants with organisations such as Children Today, CHIPS charity and the Elifar Foundation. 

Additionally, the local council in the UK can also provide additional support and services (depending on the condition), such as:

• At-home care
• Medical aids and adaptations
• Financial assistance for hospital visits and travel costs
• Short break services

Research these benefits and grants to ensure you receive the necessary financial assistance for your child’s special needs.

Try to create an inclusive environment for your child

Being disabled often leaves people feeling labelled as ‘alien’ or ‘other’. As a parent, it’s vital that you try to create an environment that’s inclusive for your child. Encourage interactions with siblings, peers, and other children in the community, as this can help foster empathy, understanding, and friendships for your child. 

The challenges faced by the parents of a child with a disability

Parents of children with disabilities often face challenges such as emotional strain, financial struggles and limited resources, especially if they live in rural areas. These issues can be particularly daunting if you’re a single parent or part of a family struggling financially.

Some parents feel that they need to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their children, while others may feel guilty about not spending enough time with their other kids or spouse. 

However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this situation, and there are strategies you can implement to make your responsibilities that much more manageable.