When we think of families with children with disabilities and the needs they may have, what always comes to mind are material needs. We believe they may need financial assistance or infrastructure, but we rarely realize that there are other challenges.
The reality is that they also have emotional and social needs, as well as information, although they seem less important, are fundamental to quality of life, especially if we want our society to continue to move forward and become a space where all its members are properly integrated, we must know and take into account these needs.
“Disability doesn’t define you. Do you define how you will deal with the challenges of disability?-Jim Abbott-
When you know a child has a disability, you have a myriad of questions that don’t always have an answer, sometimes we meet professionals who don’t know that our main need at the time is to get information.
First, we need to know for sure what is going on, it is essential that we accept and internalize this new reality in our family, but that is not all: we also need to know what steps we can take, both in terms of parenting guidelines and in relation to the resources we can request, to prepare the environment for the arrival of the person with disabilities.
The reality is that the need for information never goes away. As the child grows and develops, there are changes that renew today’s uncertainties. At every stage of life, new situations will arise that will force us to learn more and more.
Finally, the need for information for families is not limited to themselves, i. e. it will also be relevant that stigma and ignorance disappear in the social circles in which they unfold, from the most intimate, like their friendships, to society. through schools and other institutions.
“If the world thinks you’re not good enough, that’s a lie. Get a second opinion. ? -Nick Vijicic-
Uncertainties and doubts in families with children with disabilities do not come alone and are generally associated with negative emotions that need to be taken into account, in fact, emotional support is crucial in this context, as a guarantee and fundamental support for their well-being. .
This discomfort usually comes from the fear of the unknown and what is to come. While it is already normal for concerns about custody of a child to arise, they increase when parents receive such news. Also, it’s normal to feel powerless as they can’t change the situation or even feel guilty because they think they’re responsible for what’s happening to your child.
“You can’t base your life on the expectations of others. -Stevie Wonder-
Not only then will they need support, they will also need support when the anxiety, anger or sadness that usually occurs in caregivers occurs, a first step is to understand that these emotions are normal and can be worked so that they are not as strong or lasting.
Finally, we cannot forget another fundamental pillar for our well-being: social support. Along these lines, families with children with disabilities also need connections with friends and other family members to manage the situation in the best possible way.
Having people with whom they can express themselves freely, sharing their thoughts and emotions without feeling judged, because it will encourage them to better face the different challenges that arise at different times of life, as well as to play a better role as caregivers.
In short, much remains to be done to understand and support families with children with disabilities, we are taking a step forward if we consider that material needs will be very important in this situation, but they will not be sufficient if we do not provide them. with the emotional and social assistance they need to promote their well-being.