The emotional side of helping children with special needs: how do you cope when you can’t do it all?

Hello everyone,

I come from a community where autism and cerebral palsy are still deeply misunderstood. Many families face blame, rejection, or even accusations of witchcraft. I’ve seen mothers abandoned, children hidden, and countless people suffer in silence, all because of stigma and lack of awareness.

Some mothers come to me in tears, begging me to take their children and care for them because they can no longer cope and it breaks my heart. I wish I could help them all, but we’re still a small initiative, just starting, with no funding yet to provide full time care. Sometimes I listen to their stories, see their tears, and I also feel like crying. Many parents don’t even know what autism is. Some ask me questions like, “But what exactly happened to my child? Will he be okay? Will he ever be like the other children?” Their pain is real, and so is their confusion and it stays with me long after our conversations end.

I know many of you have faced similar struggles, maybe in different ways or places. I’d love to hear:

How do you care for your own emotional health?.

For sure sometimes i feel like crying, Have you ever felt guilty for not being able to do more even when you know you’re already doing your best?

What do you say to a parent who asks, "will my child ever be like the others?" when you don’t have a clear answer yourself?

Parents
  • Oh by the way! Maybe if these parents spent more time loving Thier kids then they wouldn't have half the problems they seem to complain about! Some has to say this. Because people can't keep flashing the disabled card every 2 mins and say 'these kids are un managebale' because they certainly are not. These parents are choosing to view they're kids as the enemy here. This is not acceptable!

Reply
  • Oh by the way! Maybe if these parents spent more time loving Thier kids then they wouldn't have half the problems they seem to complain about! Some has to say this. Because people can't keep flashing the disabled card every 2 mins and say 'these kids are un managebale' because they certainly are not. These parents are choosing to view they're kids as the enemy here. This is not acceptable!

Children
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