By: Jenna Thompson
Updated: Aug. 16, 2019
Originally Published: Feb. 18, 2016
As a mother of a child with special needs, I often share our experiences online. However, I don’t consider myself an authority in the field. Just because you may know someone with a child who has a condition like Down syndrome or autism, it doesn’t mean you comprehend the nuances of raising a child who is tube-fed or relies on a wheelchair. It’s similar to how someone with cancer may not grasp the challenges faced by someone with schizophrenia or a person who is deaf may not understand what it’s like to be born without legs. Yet, when one mentions special needs, there seems to be an automatic assumption that they have extensive knowledge about every condition.
This misconception is misguided. Most parents aren’t medical professionals, nor do they have backgrounds in therapy or education. Personally, I never aspired to be a teacher or work in healthcare. Growing up, I didn’t have any friends with disabilities. I can’t recall where children like my daughter went to school; I only remember a girl from my church with Down syndrome who was always joyful and bright. Meanwhile, I was the kid with psoriasis and a speech impediment, which I can now identify as a phonological disorder combined with an articulation disorder.
Becoming a parent to a child with disabilities was never in my plans. I didn’t prepare for this by pursuing a nursing or occupational therapy degree. My family has always been healthy, and I never anticipated that I would have a child who would face challenges. I was simply a mom expecting my last baby, envisioning a future where we could travel once she went off to college.
Naturally, my expectations have shifted. I was a mom who had experienced milestones with my previous children, who crawled, walked, and talked ahead of schedule. I didn’t recognize that my daughter, Chloe, was experiencing developmental delays; I thought she was just a late bloomer.
As a mother, I found myself navigating the complexities of blood tests, geneticists, and various therapies without any guidance, save for the infamous “Welcome to Holland” essay, which only frustrated me further. I was just a mom who spent sleepless nights searching the internet for answers, preparing questions for doctors, anxious about both the possibility of a diagnosis and the fear of none at all.
Entering the world of special education was overwhelming. I had to learn quickly, often while everything felt chaotic, figuring out which battles were worth fighting. Along the way, I met remarkable professionals who were dedicated to helping my child. I was also still a mom to three other kids, each with their own unique challenges.
While I’ve become knowledgeable about Chloe’s specific needs, I recognize that I’m no expert in all areas of special needs. I’ve gained insight into constipation, seizures, developmental milestones, and genetic tests—perhaps I deserve an honorary degree in speech therapy for the time I’ve spent there with my children.
However, my understanding is limited. I still can’t relate to the experience of raising a child with severe autism or mobility issues, nor do I wish to become a therapist or a nurse. Yet, my journey has introduced me to a network of other parents, each navigating their own paths. These moms and dads have their struggles, from trivial daily chores to serious concerns. They share their experiences, whether it’s discussing typical parenting dilemmas or the intricacies of special needs.
We are all still parents first and foremost. I may be an expert on Chloe’s situation, but my knowledge does not extend to all special needs. I remain just a mom, and anyone can learn by listening and engaging with others. For further insights into the journey of parenthood, you might find helpful information in this article on fertility boosters for men, an essential resource for many families.
In conclusion, while I may have gained a wealth of knowledge about my daughter, I am still just a mom navigating the complexities of parenting. The learning never stops, and each experience enriches my understanding of our unique journey.
Keyphrase: Motherhood and Special Needs
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