Stress Coping Strategies for Parents of Children with Special Needs

In this article, we will learn about:

1. Types of stress experienced by parents of children with special needs

2. Why do some parents experience more stress than others living under the same circumstances?

3. Stress management strategies for parents

The pressures experienced by parents of children with special needs vary according to the nature, degree, and type of disability. Some disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, are more challenging due to co-occurring conditions such as sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and accompanying behavioral challenges, or the inability to communicate with their children, especially non-verbal autistic children. Other disabilities include Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or intellectual and physical disabilities in general. Numerous studies indicate that parents of children with special needs experience high levels of daily pressure and stress. These pressures are multifaceted, including, for example, societal perceptions, the stigma surrounding disability, and the lack of acceptance or understanding from others. Additionally, some parents' lack of acceptance or denial of their child's disability, attempting to treat the child like any other child. One of the causes of stress may also be some parents' lack of understanding of the disability and how to properly interact with the child as required by their condition.

The types of stress parents face vary. Some may be internal pressures, such as guilt, where some parents feel remorse over their child's disability and hold themselves responsible for it. Others may be external pressures, such as societal perceptions, the stigma surrounding disability, and the lack of acceptance or understanding of the disability by others. As for psychological stress, it may manifest as anger, anxiety, tension, fear, and other emotions.

Why do some parents experience more stress than other parents living under the same circumstances?

A Canadian study examined 283 mothers whose children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The challenges they faced after diagnosis and how parents coped with these pressures were investigated. They found that mothers who possessed problem-solving skills were the group that confronted the problem and attempted to find solutions for it, unlike the other group that ignored and denied the problem, which consequently led to an accumulation of stress.

Given the negative impacts on mental and physical health resulting from the daily stress parents experience, here are some tips and guidelines that may alleviate daily pressures:

It is essential to understand the causes of stress so that you can find the appropriate solution.

1. Trust in God, be optimistic, accept reality, look for logical solutions, consult specialists, and support your child.

2. Support and encouragement provided by family, friends, and the workplace: Support can come in the form of words of encouragement and acceptance of the child and their family. These are simple things, but they have a positive impact on alleviating the stress parents face when they find someone who supports and stands by them. Regarding the workplace, it helps when the supervisor understands the employee's circumstances related to their child's health condition.

3. Psychological support sessions: Psychological support sessions can be individual by visiting a psychotherapist. Through these sessions, one learns relaxation techniques and speaks with someone who appreciates and understands their mental state and the stress they are experiencing. Or group support sessions, which are held with a mental health specialist and a group of people sharing the same issue and circumstances, where experiences are exchanged in an appropriate environment to express the struggles of each member of the group under the therapist's supervision.

4. Exercising: Physical activity, such as walking, is very beneficial for relieving psychological stress.

5. Focus on the current situation: Many parents are exhausted by worrying about their son's or daughter's future, which is accompanied by feelings of anxiety and fear. Overthinking doubles stress; think about and plan your child's future better through education and vocational rehabilitation, as this is the logical solution that will ensure peace of mind for you and a stable, secure future for your child, God willing.

6. Ask for help: When you are under stress and need assistance from others, ask for help and do not hesitate.

7. Surround yourself with positive people who will be a source of support for you whenever you need it.

8. Build relationships with other families going through the same situation, which can alleviate feelings of stress or loneliness and enable the exchange of experiences.

Sources:

.https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/challenges-and-coping-strategies-for-parents-with-autistic-children-2471-271X-1000166.pdf

.https://hr.ucsf.edu/hr.php?A=1077&AT=&org=we

.https://iancommunity.org/ssc/stress-and-autism-par...

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.