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Help the Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

3rd June, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

The pain experienced by the mother and father of young children with a variety of developmental disabilities like Down syndrome is something that I can only imagine. As a result of their undying love, they’re capable of loving these children so much and occasionally more than a normal child and they still have to face the tremendous odds of struggling daily while meeting the demands of their special child, who may need several hours of therapy and attention. This is what the parents do while still taking care of the other children and performing their routine tasks.

It can be seen clearly that these families have an extraordinary courage and strength in showing their care for these children, in ensuring that they’re never made to feel isolated or different from persons outside of their family.

The many sacrifices that they must make from time to time without expressing regret is unbelievable. They don’t appear to miss outings and parties or even going out and having fun, which are some basic things that a lot of persons take for granted. The activities these parents undergo from day to day involves cooking, cleaning and laundry which may be separate from the wants of the child with the developmental disabilities. Their wants may include, being taken to therapy classes, or specific schools and numerous visits to the doctor. While the child is at home, parents always have to keep a close eye on the child, feed him, cuddle him, bathe him and spend a lot of sleepless nights watching, worrying and wondering. It is just unbelievable when you think about the stress that these parents might need to go through having the knowledge that this is the way it will be until the end.

The family’s financial state is also another area that can be greatly affected when giving care to an individual that has developmental disabilities. The expenses which are associated with taking care of these individuals may be quite overwhelming when you think about the many extras that the child may need, and in some situations the insurance might not be able to cover them all. In most situations these children suffer from periodic breakdown in their health, which then requires immediate medical attention, causing a greater financial burden on the parents who might be suffering from really limited funds.

Most of the times these parents may find it hard to request support, simply because of the fear that might be embarrassed as a result of doing this. Some also believe that it’s their problem and it should not be forced on another person, regardless of how close to the family they may be. It consequently means that these other persons will now need to understand and try to find methods to help them and without the need of making them feel obligated. If a couple of friends or relatives were to contribute in an inconspicuous way, I am confident that the mother and father would appreciate it.

This method of helping may be carried out in numerous ways to not make it seem to obvious. Fund raising events could be done by the community, with aid being supplied from the clergy and others. Persons could organize to give of themselves in other methods in addition to financially. They could also provide spiritual support or offer to spend some time with the child with the disabilities, so the mother and father could rest and have a day off. In whatever way the aid is supplied, it would aid to alleviate some of the burden these parents face.

Brent McNutt likes working with health care professionals. He also likes talking about urbane scrubs, landau shoes, and baby phat lab coat as well as writing articles about various topics. He also likes hiking, exercising, and camping with his family.