PARENTING ONE CHILD WITH DISABILITIES CAN BE DAUNTING

PARENTING TWO OR MORE IS OVERWHELMING

BY KARA JOLLIFF GOULD, PH.D.

A parent's wish is that their child grows to be an independent, productive member of their community. Parents hope that their children will grow to be independent, productive members of their community. For parents with multiple children with disabilities, support from friends, family and community organizations is particularly important to help ensure their children's eventual inclusion as well as independence within the community.

Having multiple children with special needs means never being able to concentrate on just one child for long. Parents are always busy, bouncing from one set of diagnoses to another. They are researching possible treatments and haggling with insurance, all

while teaching their children to cope with their own challenges, and to recognize and understand those of their sibling(s). With work and other obligations, it's nearly impossible to find enough time to rest and recharge before the next crisis or medical procedure.