Most parents who have a child recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy find themselves dealing with a vast array of complex emotions. It’s not surprising that as parents focus all of their attention and energy on doing what’s best for their child, they neglect to pay attention to their own wellbeing.

Many parents with a recently diagnosed child have many questions, questions like:

• What kind of life will my child have?
• How is this diagnosis going to affect our family emotionally and financially?
• Will my child ever be able to live independently?

But instead of asking these questions, parents often feel guilty for having them. They are devastated that their dreams for their child—dreams such as playing team sports, going to college, and getting married and having children—may be dashed. Yet few parents are comfortable verbalizing their disappointment.

Parents may feel stressed by the financial burden that having a child with special needs causes, or they may feel that the constant care that their child requires is taking a toll on other family relationships. To make matters worse, many parents feel utterly alone as they navigate the new world they have been thrust into. They don’t know other parents with special needs, and they feel that parents of non-disabled children can’t possibly understand what they are going through (and in many cases, they can’t).

Parents who try to keep trudging along without taking care of their own needs will find themselves totally exhausted—and of no help to their children. It’s like the emergency cards on airplanes indicate: in order to best help your children, you must first give yourself some oxygen. Parents can find this “oxygen” in family, friends, church groups, other parents of children with special needs, and counselors who are experienced at helping families with special needs children.

In addition, there are approximately 500,000 people living with cerebral palsy in the United States right now. That means that there are plenty of people who share your concerns and experiences, and who are willing to share theirs with you. Many of these people have already navigated the complex world of cerebral palsy, and have the answers you need when it comes to questions regarding legal issues, finances, therapies and benefits, and just getting through some of the very difficult days that lie ahead.

In many cases, your child’s medical team can point you in the right direction when it comes to where to access support and education. Remember, there is strength in numbers. For groups in your area, please click on our list of support and education groups by state. For legal and financial help, or for help in getting your child the benefits and therapies she needs, contact us to find out how we can help.