Womens Issues: Family Issues: Loving a Special Needs Child and How to get Help
by Cara Boynton
FeedTheVillage.com - Me and my daughter
Being the mother of a mentally challenged daughter has been a roller coaster ride. There are lots of ups and downs. My daughter was born seventeen years ago. I knew when she was born there was a problem, but being a new mom...again, I didn't want to believe my daughter was any different from her older sister. As she began to grow and pass milestones and didn't sit up when she was supposed to, or crawl when the book said she should, I began to worry. She was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when she was one year old. I was also told that she was mentally retarded. I was devastated. My heart felt as if it had been cut out. As the years passed by, I learned how to deal with her situation. As a parent of a "special" child, you have to have lots of patience and love and understanding. I have learned that God only picks parents with these qualities to be parents of "special" children. My daughter is seventeen now, mentally she is only four. But she is the love of my life, and she brings joy to us everyday. I changed careers so I could go to work at the high school she attends. She needs me now more than ever. Yes it is a challenge everyday, but I know she is worth it, and I know that no one else can take care of her and her needs like I can. I hope anyone who has a "special" person in their family, or even knows someone who has a "special" person, let them know how important their job is, as it is not an easy one. Let them know how much you appreciate what they do. I guarantee it will bring a smile to their face and a tear to their eye, for they too know what a rewarding and challenging job they have, and to hear someone else say "Thank You" is the best gift. It is estimated that one in twelve children are born with some type of mental or physical disability. Many parents and caregivers do not have the emotional or financial ability to care for their loved ones. There are many agencies that can help provide assistance to families. Contact your local MHMR office. Many have programs for special needs patients and provide support and activities for special needs children. Many of these programs are available free of charge. You and your family may also qualify for Social Security Disability. You can contact your local social security office by calling them at 1-800-772-1213. You can also reach them online at www.ssa.gov. They also can be contacted by U.S. mail if you do not have access to a computer at this address. Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries Windsor Park Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 Many children’s hospitals have support groups available too. Call and see if they have one pertaining to your particular need. If they don’t ask how you can start one.
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