As a parent of a child with a disability myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the resources available, especially after the disruptions caused by COVID-19. The search for help can feel overwhelming and often keeps us up late into the night. While the links below are just a starting point and not an exhaustive list, they offer valuable information that can help guide you on your journey. Many of these sites also lead to other resources, so don’t hesitate to explore them further. If you are a parent with multiple special-needs children, ChildrenWithSpecialNeeds.Com is an excellent place to start. It covers a wide variety of conditions and is run by parents, for parents, making it a unique and invaluable resource.
Autism
AutismNow.Org is one of the top online resources for autism-related information, offering up-to-date news, events, a local agency map, and a powerful search engine for finding help. Autism Learn provides a variety of visually stimulating activities that help autistic children develop social skills, fine motor control, and more.
Deafness
For parents of children with deafness or hearing loss, Hearing Like Me is a fantastic resource. Their clean, easy-to-navigate website features helpful information and a supportive forum where you can connect with other parents facing similar challenges.
Deaf-Blindness
The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children offers a wealth of information and services, including opportunities for involvement in activities and updates on the latest developments in the deaf-blind community.
Hearing Impairment
The Hearing Loss Association of America is a great resource for parents with hearing-impaired children, providing support materials, news, personal stories, and information about the legal rights of children with hearing loss.
Language and Speech Delays/Impairments
SpeechDelay.com, created by a speech-language pathologist, is a comprehensive resource offering tips, forums, and a wealth of links to help children with language and speech delays. It also features a sign language section.
Intellectual Disabilities
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is an empowering site for parents of children with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD. It provides information, success stories, and a strong supportive community.
Multiple Disabilities
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities has been offering resources for families with children with multiple disabilities since 1982. They provide newsletters, events, and educational services.
Orthopedic Impairment
Orthopedic Impairments is a resource focused on educating parents, teachers, and students about orthopedic impairments. It includes a special section to help navigate challenges with schools.
Serious Emotional Disturbance
Healthy Place is a leading mental health website offering insight into the struggles parents face when raising children with serious emotional disturbances. The blog entries are often short but packed with heartfelt stories and over 85 comments from others who have walked similar paths.
Specific Learning Disability
The Guardian features an inspiring article about a mother and her autistic son, discussing the challenges of dealing with societal judgment and providing an opportunity for others to share their own stories and support.
Learning Disabilities/Reading Impairment/Communication Difficulties
For children with specific learning disabilities like reading or communication difficulties, this site offers resources for parents, teachers, and other professionals. It’s also available in Spanish for broader accessibility.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brainline.org provides an excellent guide for parents of children who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It offers tips on coping, rehabilitation, and understanding cognitive changes.
Down Syndrome
While sometimes controversial, Lifenews.com features a touching article for parents of children with Down Syndrome. It offers emotional support for parents, focusing on the positive aspects of raising a child with Down Syndrome and emphasizing the potential for achievement despite challenges.
These resources are just a few that can make navigating the journey of raising a child with a disability a little easier. Keep in mind that there’s always help out there, and it’s okay to reach out to others who understand the journey.
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