Coiso.
"(...) So, you have a friend or loved one that is a special needs parent. Do
you want to offer help or support but don’t know what you could
possibly do? Honestly, to
a special needs parent, just knowing that someone cares is really
important. In fact, it’s so important, that I don’t think it can be
overstated.
The first thing you should know is that typically, the special needs parent will
never
ask for help. Often times, they know how overwhelming theirs life and
struggles can be and they don’t want to burden anyone. If they do ask
you for help then it’s truly needed. One of the things the special needs
parent does very well, aside from raising amazing but challenging
children, is
suffer in silence. They have become so dedicated
to their child that they often times lose themselves in the process but
rarely if ever complain about it. The special needs parent typically
struggle with exhaustion, finances, time and just about everything
else. (...)
One of the toughest parts of being a special needs parent is the
feeling of
isolation.
Their child requires so much of their time,
energy and undivided attention that they often times have little or no
adult contact (aside from doctors and therapists). You could make plans
to stop by for a visit. Many special needs parents will tell you that
they would love to just talk to another adult. Please remember to
call
first as a surprise visit could just add to the stress by destabilizing
or overstimulating their child.
Sometimes, by the end of the day,
exhaustion is such that the thought
of making dinner is simply to much.(...)
Things as simple as sending a card, email or text message, just to
let them know you’re thinking about them could help them to find the
strength to keep moving on a really bad day. (...)
Think about making arrangements to go over and spend some time with their child (if that’s something that would work).
Educating yourself
about Autism of whatever else the parent is dealing with is important
for something like this. Not only will educating yourself help you
relate to their child, but knowing that you took the time to learn about
their child’s condition would mean a great deal to any special needs
parent. (...)
The most critical thing you will be doing, is
showing them that they
are not alone. Sometimes just knowing that their are people who love and
support you, standing in your corner, can mean more then you can
possibly imagine.
Please remember that you don’t have to understand anything about
Autism in order to show love, compassion and support to those touched by
it."
in http://lostandtired.com/2011/04/22/how-you-could-help-a-special-needs-parent/
