All members of the family are affected by one member with a disability. Every family is unique. Culture, family values, emotions, physical and financial resources and views on issues such as sexuality, all influence the family dynamics. Siblings may feel that all of the attention is focused on the child with a disability and the role of grandparents may change.
Spouses may respond differently to having a child with a disability. The level of care that your child needs, financial concerns, and other challenges may keep you from spending the time you need to protect and strengthen your relationship.
Single Parents Carrying the load alone is challenging in the best of circumstances. Single parents of a child with special needs will need extra help and support. Tips for Single Parents of Children with Special Needs
Dads National Center for Fathers and Families Dads of Babies with Disabilities Jonah and The Whale Foundation
Military Families There is a Parent Training and Information Center just for military personnel who have a child with a disability. The staff members of this center are parents from military families who understand your challenges. Military Parent Technical Assistance Center STOMP-Specialized Training for Military Parents Military OneSource Exceptional Family Member Program Exceptional Family Member Program-Army Exceptional Family Member Program-Navy Exceptional Family Member Program-Marines Air Force Aid Society- Respite Care Smooth School Transitions: Tips for Military Families
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Grandparents Grandparents are affected twice by a child with a disability. They grieve for their own child, the parent, and for their grandchild. Their love and help can be invaluable. Sometimes they are even called upon to assume a parental role.
Brothers and sisters of children with disabilities may have a variety of issues What Siblings would Like Parents and Providers to Know The Unbreakable Bond by Caroline Addams Read about the relationship of two sisters, written by the younger sister of a woman with significant disabilities.
Foster and Adoptive Families What Prospective Adoptive Parents Need to Know Adoption Assistance in Georgia
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