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It's Not Your Fault
How Parents Can Cope with Their Child's Disability
By Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
In many cases, the actual cause of a disability remains unknown. For example, researchers continue to study the cause of autism. There are many theories, but no definite correlation has been identified. However, no matter how many times doctors and/or professionals reassure parents, they still feel to blame for their child's disability.
"In the case of autism, many parents say, 'It's because we didn't put him in play group' or 'His grandmother provided daycare, because we couldn't afford sending him to a daycare center with other kids'," Smith says. "Parents blame themselves for not providing their child with these experiences."
Educate yourself: Parents are often concerned about behaviors or developmental delays prior to the diagnosis of a disability. They seek professional advice to determine if a problem exists. It's important to gather information related to the disability. Knowledge is empowering. The more you know about a disability, the better equipped you will feel to handle the situation in a productive manner.
Find the right professionals: It is iportant to find the right professionals to evaluate your child. Talk to your pediatrician and other parents to guide you in the right direction.