Challenges Faced by Families Living with a Special Need or Disability

2387 Words10 Pages
“No parent wants his or her child to be sick, disabled or harmed in any way. It is not an experience anyone expects to have; rather it is a journey that is unplanned.” (Brown, Goodman, Kupper, 2009) For some parents the unplanned journey begins when they find out that their child had some sort of special need or disability. This discovery is both overwhelming and devastating. It is an instance where the family reaches a turning point, a time of fundamental change, where there is a realization that every aspect of their life will be altered and that they will have to begin once again with many new challenges. The family dynamic suddenly changes as do expectations, and immediately there are concerns and questions left unanswered, that weigh heavily on the family. A disability is often seen as tragic. It can be viewed as punishment, and is seen as destruction to the parent’s hopes, dreams and aspirations along with the family plans for the future. The social structure of the family is significantly altered and the way in which the family begins to understand, acknowledge and cope with the special need or disability ultimately determines the path their lives will take. Every family member will be affected in a different way and will develop various coping mechanisms that will change over time. Family members both immediate and extended will expand and find their own approach in dealing with various situations and throughout the span of their lives those methods will be altered to deal with diverse circumstances. There is a great deal of stress impressed on the family dealing with a disability or special need. Parents, siblings, grand-parents and other extended family experience many instances that may be enriching or demoralizing and each must find their own ways to cope with the stresses and celebrate the achievements. The daily strain of providing care and

More about Challenges Faced by Families Living with a Special Need or Disability

Open Document