| Their feelings depend on what stage they are at emotionally. Finding out that your child has special needs brings out many feelings, similar to the stages of grief described by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her book "Death and Dying"
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Some parents are very angry and feel the need to place blame on someone---usually school personnel or each other.
Others are so saddened, that they just feel numb and helpless or perhaps confused and overwhelmed.
Some are anxious to immediately get help and research everything they can about their child's diagnosis. They feel panicked to get all the help they can for their child so their child can be "fixed".
Some parents have come to accept that their child learns differently and are willing to listen and share ideas so that their child improves.
All of these feelings are normal and understandable. And they continue back and forth for some time.
Having a child with special needs means the ending of one dream and the creating of another. Loving your child and accepting them for the special person they are, is part of the journey.  |