Caring for a child with special needs can be uniquely rewarding and profoundly challenging.
Life with a child with special needs can bring extraordinary joy. Still, at times, parents can feel isolated, frustrated and resentful. The daily home environment can be so demanding that the emotional and physical health of the parents may suffer. Parents of children with chronic illnesses report significantly poorer health related quality of life and are more likely to have a lowered sense of energy and well-being. 1 Keeping track of a child’s long list of therapists, specialists and aides can lead to mental overload and fatigue. Romantic relationships may undergo stress as parents feel pushed to their limits and tend to take out their frustrations on each other.
As a result of the stressors linked to caregiving responsibilities, parents of children with special needs are more likely to suffer from higher rates of depression and feelings of helplessness. They may also experience more limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, such as shopping and running errands, meal preparation and the ability to manage finances. These are the skills and abilities needed to perform day-to-day tasks associated with quality of life and
independence. 2
I aim to help parents of children with special needs find a sense of community, tackle difficult issues and come away with an increased sense of hope.
We can work together to manage stress, process grief and use community resources. I strive to promote healthy communication between you and your spouse/partner to clearly define caregiving responsibilities in order to avoid conflict. I can help you find the balance to devote time to your other “typically developing” children, to fortify your relationship/marriage and to carve out time for self-care.
“Lindsay has a very loving presence. She has shown me how to increase self-compassion and manage life on my daughter’s hard days. I am so grateful for the healing space she has provided to help me take better care of myself.”
Why seek advocacy coaching?
Many parents have difficulty navigating the process of identifying, advocating and securing the appropriate resources for their children’s specific challenges. This process is not always intuitive.
If you have a child who needs academic accommodations at school, you may benefit from the help of a seasoned professional.
I can guide you in creating a network of resources that may include psychoeducational testing, legal support, a 504 Plan, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and a follow-up strategy to ensure your child’s success. Additionally, I can provide academic and emotional support for your child through my tutoring company, Learning with Lindsay.
Allow me to join with you to face your struggles and advocate successfully for your child, your family and your own well-being. Contact me to get started.