The birth of a baby brings lots of happiness, excitement, amazement and joy. But when your baby is born with a physical or mental disability, emotions often turn to shock, sadness, anger, bewilderment or anxiety. So what do you do with the swell of emotion? How do you handle the news and still be a good parent to your newborn? How do you cope when your child is born with a disability?
The first step is to believe that with proper therapies, care, support and love, you will be able to help your child, lead a relatively normal life. Besides, you can take the following concrete steps:
• Get a pediatrician who understands special needs. If you suspect there is a problem with your child, contact a pediatrician for an evaluation. The doctor can then refer you to an appropriate specialist.
• Educate yourself. Learn what signs to look for, what therapies are most effective and how to administer in-home medical treatments. You are your child's advocate, and you will be most effective if you are aware about your child’s condition.
• Build a professional support team of therapists and counselors. Children with special needs need a lot of help from different therapists and counselors to develop their potential. You must look for people who are well-trained and come with high recommendations from other parents. Also seek professionals who are optimistic about your child's condition and enthusiastic to offer help and support.
• Find a personal support team for yourself. Living with a special needs child is extremely demanding. Surround yourself with friends and family who are willing to help out. Teach someone else how to perform the basic therapies and treatments so you can take time to recharge. Also look into support groups; it is always helpful to discuss problems with people who have gone through the same thing.
• Change your expectations about things your child can accomplish. Don't compare your child with other children. All children develop differently and this is especially true for special needs children. Focus on what your child can do, and this will lessen the stress on yourself and your child.
• Be proactive in your child's treatment. When you have questions about your child's treatment or condition, ask. Even though the counselors and therapists are clinically trained, they do not live with your child, and it is your responsibility to ensure your child receives adequate care. By being proactive, you can ensure that you are doing everything possible for your child.