For many parents, learning that their child has a disability is an emotionally devastating and life-changing experience. Parents often find themselves working through a wide range of challenging emotions that can make them feel isolated and alone.

According to the article "You are Not Alone," by Patricia McGill Smith when a parent first learns that their child has a disability, they often find themselves in a state of denial that is immediately followed by feelings of anger and fear. Other emotions that parents often experience are guilt, confusion, powerlessness, disappointment and rejection.

In order to combat complex and isolating emotions, McGill Smith recommends that parents take constructive actions, including:

• Seek the assistance of another parent who has a child with a disability.
• Take it one day at time instead of focusing on the "what if's" and "what then's" of the future.
• Seek information and learn terminology to help you understand more about your child.
• Do not be intimidated by medical or education professionals.
• Do not be afraid to show your emotions.
• Learn to deal with natural feelings of bitterness and anger when you realize that you must revise the hopes and dreams that you originally had for your child.
• Focus on the positive things about your child in order to help diminish negative thoughts.
• Find programs for your child with a disability.
• Decide how to deal with the reactions of those who do not know how to behave around someone with a disability.
• Remember that this is your child. Though your child may be different , this does not make your child any less valuable, less important or less in need of love.
• Recognize that you are not alone.

There are several resources available for parents to help them as they come to terms with their child's disability. To learn more about coping with the complex emotions of being a parent of a child with disability, visit http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/notalone/.  

To learn more about educational and other supports available to help parents assist their child, visit www.ptimpact.org.