The Importance of Finding a Community of Support When Your Child Has A Disability
Receiving a diagnosis that your child has an intellectual, developmental, or other life-long disability can be emotionally devastating for parents. Feelings of grief, anxiety for the future, guilt, or social isolation are very common in this situation. At Trudeau, we have supported thousands of families over multiple generations. We firmly believe that finding community support and connection with other parents facing similar challenges is extremely beneficial when raising a child with special needs.
Parent support groups allow sharing personal experiences, tips, and advice with an understanding audience.
It helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster hope when you interact with others further along in their journey. Those connections motivate you that life can still be joyful and full even when things don’t go as initially expected. Support groups also provide a safe space to talk through the range of emotions that come with parenting a disabled child.
We also recommend connecting with advocacy groups tailored to your child’s needs.
They offer education on latest research, available local services and financial assistance programs, as well as any legislative changes that could impact your family. These groups are at the forefront, paving an easier path for the next generation of children. Participating keeps you informed so that you can proactively optimize your child’s treatment and overall wellbeing.
Finding community allows parents to lean on each other and share the load so one person doesn’t have to bear the weight alone. Please reach out any time for information on support groups relevant to your child’s situation, so you can access the understanding and tools needed to help both them and you thrive.
The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals provides a great list of support organizations and resources for parents >
