Parents of children with special needs go through some steps in caring for their child.
First is DISBELIEF.
Who would have thought that their child has special needs? Who would have thought that their child would be diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, mental retardation, learning disabilities or other conditions? They ask, “God, why does it have to be my child?”
Alongside disbelief is DENIAL.
Parents see nothing wrong with their child. It might just the child has more energy than others, or their child may just have a slower rate of understanding than other children their child’s age. Is it?
They suddenly ask questions “Maybe because children develop at different paces so my child is not exempt with this? Why are children different from one other? Why do children have their own specific talents and interests? What is my child’s special talent and interest?”
Then there’s GRIEF.
Yes, parents grieve.
They grieve the loss of their dream for their child who can never be the doctor they wanted their child to be. They grieve because no matter how much treatment or intervention is given to their child they feel that their child may not be capable of living a life like others.
They have the nagging question, “What would happen if we die (first)? Who would take care of our child?”
Questions too difficult to answer for now.
Time flies.
Parents cope differently. Read the rest of this entry »
