National Parents Day: How Is Parenting For Disabled Children Different?

The National Parents Day is on July 28, 2024. Read this article as we share a ground reality check of how parenting is different for disabled children with inputs from an expert, Dr Isha Soni (Senior Occupational Therapist and Centre Head, Lexicon Rainbow Therapy and Child Development Centre, Pune) and some people who have been close to the experience.

"Parenting is a roller coaster of emotions, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, but the love for your child keeps you hanging on." - Unknown

Tips For Parenting Of Children With Special Needs

Dr Soni mentioned that parenting a child with special needs is a journey that requires patience, resilience, and adaptability. There can be unique challenges and requirements for additional support and resources. She shared some general tips for parenting a child with special needs which are as follows:

• Educate Yourself: “Learn as much as you can about your child's specific condition or needs. This will help you better understand their challenges and find appropriate ways to support them."
• Seek Support: “Connect with support groups, organizations, or online communities that focus on your child's condition. These groups can provide valuable advice, resources, and emotional support from others who have similar experiences.”

• Build a Strong Support Network: "Reach out to family members, friends, and professionals who can offer assistance and understanding. Having a strong support network can help you navigate the challenges and share the responsibilities of caregiving."
• Individualised Approach: “Recognise that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Tailor your parenting approach based on your child's strengths, abilities, and needs.”
• Establish Routines: “Children with special needs often benefit from structured routines. Establish consistent daily schedules, including regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and activities. Predictability can help them feel secure and reduce anxiety."
• Communication: "Find effective ways to communicate with your child. Depending on their abilities, this may involve using assistive devices, visual aids, sign language, or other alternative communication methods. Patience and understanding are key."

• Celebrate Achievements: "Focus on your child's strengths and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Encourage their independence and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills and interests."
• Self-Care: “Taking care of yourself is crucial. Parenting a child with special needs can be physically and emotionally demanding. Make time for self-care activities, seek respite when needed, and don't hesitate to ask for help.”

“Remember, every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust your instincts as a parent and work closely with professionals to provide the best possible care and support for your child,” said Dr Isha.

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Personal Experiences On How Parenting For Disabled Children Is Different?

“When I was a little girl, my cousin sister, 20 years older than me, used to love visiting my house and play with me and my toys. She used to love colouring books just like any innocent child. Her love for reading and writing went beyond any material happiness as she was deprived of the privilege of education due to a lack of awareness among my relatives. She was adorable and sensitive; thankfully my Bua and everyone else in the family cared for her like a baby. We lost her a decade ago due to an unknown illness and the world has been slower ever since,” shared Rajni who is in her 20s.

Aparna, one of my colleagues, said, “Taking care of a specially-abled teen or adult is just like looking after a toddler. Watching their every step. One of my distant cousins is disabled and everyone around him knows how to care for him the best way. 14-year-old Balle often hits his grandad and throws tantrums at the smallest of things like a kid but his family happens to handle the situation in a way that melts my heart. Now he is an adult and there has been no difference in the care he receives.”

Sakshi also shared her experience with us and told us how it was working with disabled people as part of Disability accomodation team as a volunteer from 2022 to 2023 at Azim Premji University. She said that she noticed support for managing classes like mobility, education, and time-management were some of the major concerns among students with special needs. She said while some of her associates were hesitant and dependent on their friends for even basic chores like getting to class or buying a sandwich from the cafeteria, the others liked being self-reliant and only asked for help when absolutely necessary. However, this majorly depends on their disability and what it allows them to do or not. She also talked about a certain individual, whose name remains unknown for privacy reasons, and said that he got help from an NGO that supported blind children during his childhood and later, when he was capable enough, joined the same NGO as a payback to the society. She said it build a sense of community among those with disabilities and helps them stay bold and face their challenges.

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