[Merrymom4]

Hi. A thought has recently occurred to me and I thought I'd share it here. It's just a simple observation, really.
Where there is a special needs child, there is a special needs family. Everyone in the family is affected in some way.
In our house, I certainly am affected. Generally, I'm exhausted. I'm thankful that I have plenty of support. Without that support, I don't know what I'd do. I have heard different stories about families that don't have any support at all. Depression and frustration are rampant in these situations. I know of some moms that were so drained, they ran away from home. I honestly can see how somebody could get to that point, without support.
My support comes from my family and from church. I have several friends in church who also have kids with special needs. They have been doing this longer than me and I always am thankful for the encouragment and for their advise. It's also nice to have somebody that understands what I am going through.
I'm putting my son in a special preschool this Fall and I know that it will also be a great source of support for my entire family. I am very excited about it!
I know there are lots of special needs families here. Do you have support and where do you find it?

[LeggsRobbins_fam]

It's SO true! Although our "special needs" situation was one of physical rather than mental handicap, the repercussions truly are for the ENTIRE family, particularly the younger children. Thanks for bringing this up.

[jahspromise]

The only support I have is a message board on MSN regarding my daughter's Sturge Weber Syndrome.
I guess that's why... I sorta came here.

Originally Posted by Merrymom4

Hi. A thought has recently occurred to me and I thought I'd share it here. It's just a simple observation, really.
Where there is a special needs child, there is a special needs family. Everyone in the family is affected in some way.
In our house, I certainly am affected. Generally, I'm exhausted. I'm thankful that I have plenty of support. Without that support, I don't know what I'd do. I have heard different stories about families that don't have any support at all. Depression and frustration are rampant in these situations. I know of some moms that were so drained, they ran away from home. I honestly can see how somebody could get to that point, without support.
My support comes from my family and from church. I have several friends in church who also have kids with special needs. They have been doing this longer than me and I always am thankful for the encouragment and for their advise. It's also nice to have somebody that understands what I am going through.
I'm putting my son in a special preschool this Fall and I know that it will also be a great source of support for my entire family. I am very excited about it!
I know there are lots of special needs families here. Do you have support and where do you find it?

[mommartin]

You are so right it does effect the whole family. My daughters are special needs one has cerebral palsy and the other down syndrome and that has effected my son in different ways. He knows all about therapy and doctor visits then most four year olds know about. Plus the walker that my daughter uses most kids ask what it is for and he knows what it is for. I definatly need the support of friends and family and church to get through having two special needs kids and I am so thankful to have it.

[Brownie]

Excellent discussion!

Our special needs child arrived second, and his diagnosis made our oldest daughter a special-needs child in her own way (although we didn't see it at the time). Of course, she went from being the only child in a 'typical' family, to the oldest and often taken-for-granted child in a special needs family. She suddenly needed as much help adjusting and coping as the little one did in learning, giving us two 'special' kids until she came 'round.

Now we have a new little one, and I'm curious/watchful to see how our situation affects her growing up. It's an adventure! What do the "normals" do with all their spare time, I wonder?