Being a parent calls for a lot of dedication, hardwork and sacrifices..And when you are a parent to a special child there are many more challenges than what meets a casual eye.

And thus, whenever I happen to come in the presence of a special child my head bows in respect and admiration for the child and  also the parents who on a special journey together are setting examples of undying spirit, passion  and courage.

It has never been easy for anyone from the start; Many parents of children with special needs that i have counseled over the years have reported experiencing lose of hope, fear, a feeling of isolation, confusion, apprehension, stress, feelings of inferiority etc.

Here are a few steps one can follow to combat the negatives and move in a positive direction.

• Firstly look inwards for strength or Pray to calm the turmoil within.
• Trust yourself and have faith in your abilities. Remember there is nothing in this world that can trouble you more than your own thoughts. This means that if we are going to feed ourselves with negative thoughts we won’t be able to perform to the best of our potentials. Hence, know it that if you have been given the challenge you very well have the potential to deal with it.
• Gather knowledge from appropriate sources. Social media offers a lot help and answers our many questions in today’s life; having said that you also have to beware and not apply all information of different cases to your child as every child is different.
• Document a history of the child. A detailed academic behavioral and medical record.
• Assess your child’s strength; acedemic and non-academic.
• Assess what make your child happy
• Assess which situation brings out the worst and the best in him.
• What activities does he like or is drawn to?
• What activities does he avoid?
• Who tries to work best with your child?
• Meet the right professionals for the conditions.
• Remember teachers, tutors, therapists do their best but a parent makes all the difference.
• Gather all the information you need, read on the condition, ask professionals your doubts and become an EXPERT in your child’s condition.
• Don’t compare your child with other children his age or in the same condition. Remember each child is different and learns and performs at his own pace.
• Make time to enjoy with your kids. We often get so busy with doing what must be done that we forget to do what is needed the most. Your bond with the child is very essential.
• Don’t let typical parents bring you down. It hurts …I understand …their questions, remarks, reactions! Just don’t let it bother you much. Educate those who are interested, create awareness; dispel wrong notions about the condition instead!
• Make time for your marriage.
• Beat your stress by getting healthy and having the ME time!
• Talk to families having similar conditions, join support groups etc. Remember to give support and even accept it.
• When you look at your child am sure you don’t see a disability but a precious gift that life has offered you. Its only when we encounter hardships, difficulties that we truly understand the joy of victory, the joy of life!

Always remember ‘Whether you were strong to begin with or had strength thrust upon you by necessity. You are one strong person, one STRONG PARENT!’