In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. “Children with disabilities remain the most excluded group [when it comes to educational opportunities], discriminated not only because of their disability but also because of lack of understanding and knowledge about its causes, implications, and stigma” (Global Partnership for Education).
In the struggle to increase educational and social opportunities for children with disabilities, their parents/caregivers are champions advocating for and securing necessary services, resources, and support. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and ignore or minimize their own needs in the process. “In addition to experiencing high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, parents of children with disabilities are faced with the heartbreaking limitations that exist in a world where not all children are included, considered, and prioritized in the same ways” (Munoz 2017).
Every day, our Behavior Specialists work with these parents providing in-home behavior intervention services and training. They witness the extra resilience, perseverance, compassion, and resourcefulness required of these parents/caregivers and how critical their self-care is to the well-being of their families. If you or someone you love is the parent of a child with special needs, keep reading for ways you can make self-care a priority.
References:
Developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. “Children with disabilities remain the most excluded group [when it comes to educational opportunities], discriminated not only because of their disability but also because of lack of understanding and knowledge about its causes, implications, and stigma” (Global Partnership for Education).
In the struggle to increase educational and social opportunities for children with disabilities, their parents/caregivers are champions advocating for and securing necessary services, resources, and support. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and ignore or minimize their own needs in the process. “In addition to experiencing high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, parents of children with disabilities are faced with the heartbreaking limitations that exist in a world where not all children are included, considered, and prioritized in the same ways” (Munoz 2017).
Every day, our Behavior Specialists work with these parents providing in-home behavior intervention services and training. They witness the extra resilience, perseverance, compassion, and resourcefulness required of these parents/caregivers and how critical their self-care is to the well-being of their families. If you or someone you love is the parent of a child with special needs, keep reading for ways you can make self-care a priority.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s more than likely you have friends and family that want to help you but may not know how. Help them by being specific about your needs. Ask a friend to pick up groceries or bring you a meal if they like to cook. Perhaps a neighbor can drop off and pick up your other children at school. If you have a friend who is good at administrative tasks have them help you with scheduling appointments, finances, or documentation for school and other providers.
- Take time for yourself. Make a habit of scheduling “me” time. Even just 15 minutes a day of time to yourself can reduce stress, help you be a better parent, and prevent caregiver burnout. Take a walk, talk with a friend, curl up and read a book, do whatever it is that you enjoy and will help you relax.
- Find and use respite services. Sometimes parents of children with disabilities and special needs feel pressured to do it all on their own. However, allowing a trained professional to care for your child sometimes may give both of you positive time apart. It can also help you preserve your emotional and mental resources, helping you keep up your strength in parenting.
- Join a support group. Finding a support group of parents whose children face similar challenges can help you to feel like you’re not alone. Support groups provide a non-judgmental space where you can vent, share your worries, fears, grief, and anger with people who “get” you like no one else can. You may also learn about new resources or develop new strategies by hearing what other parents are doing.
- Seek professional help if needed. A professional can help give you the tools to teach your child to become as independent as possible, regulate their emotions, and live to their fullest potential. You also may benefit from a counselor giving you a space to grieve, share your victories, and process your frustrations. Professional help is essential if you find yourself overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or have trouble coping and functioning.
References:
- Children with disabilities (2017). Retrieved from www.globalpartenership.org/focus-areas/children-with-disabilities
- Self-Care Tips for Parents of Special Needs Children (2017). Retrieved from www.goodtherapy.org
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