Parents/Primary Caregivers of Children with Special Needs Can Face Various Unexpected Challenges:
- Feelings of isolation
- Emotions such as Grief and Anger
- Balancing the needs of the whole family
- Making choices about their child’s treatment
- Coping with financial and social changes
- Losing sense of self
- Communicating with various providers
- Dealing with other people’s reactions
Special Needs include (but are not limited to)
- Medical/Health Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Developmental Delays
- Speech or Feeding Issues
- Blind or Visually Impaired
- Deaf or Hearing Impaired
- Physical Disabilities
- Chronic Diseases
- Behavioral/Mental Health Issues
- Learning Disabilities
back to top
 Moving Forward
There is hope for parents/primary caregivers to move forward in their individual and familial lives. Seeking the services of a therapist, utilizing a support system, and finding balance are some of several ways to begin the healing process.
back to top
Parenting a Child with Special Needs Tip Sheet
For more detailed information, please click here to read an article written for the “Social Workers Help Starts Here” webpage.
back to top
“Addressing the Emotional Context of Raising Children with Special Needs” Powerpoint Presentation
Please click here to view slides as presented to various professionals working with families of children with special needs. The presentation file is 6.6MB.
back to top
Counseling Services:
Lydia Abrams, LCSW is available to provide counseling for parents and families to address issues surrounding raising a child with special needs. Please contact Lydia to obtain more information.
back to top
Education Services:
Lydia Abrams, LCSW is available to provide education to professionals and to parents/primary caregivers on understanding the emotional dynamics of raising children with special needs. Please contact Lydia to obtain more information.
back to top
About the Therapist
 Lydia Abrams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in group and individual counseling and case management. Lydia has worked with people with various disabilities, children with behavioral issues and their families, and people with HIV/AIDS. She has received continuing education in the areas of children with disabilities and in working with their parents and families. Lydia has also taught American Sign Language at the University of South Florida and to teachers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has personal experience raising a child with hydrocephalus and other special needs.
back to top
Why go to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
- Trained to treat the person in connection with their environment
- Educated in the areas of Individual, Group, Couple, Family, Community, and Psychiatric work
- Mandated to abide by the “Code of Ethics” as set forth by the National Association of Social Workers
- Must complete at least thirty hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain licensure
- Must comply with the laws set forth by the Florida Department of Health
back to top
Contact Information
If you are interested in counseling, education, or other related services, please contact Lydia Abrams, LCSW at:lydia@specialparentsupport.com.
back to top
Recommended Books:
You Will Dream New Dreams: Inspiring Personal Stories by Parents of Children with Disabilities by Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D. and Kim Schive.
Changed by a Child: Companion Notes for Parents of a Child with a Disability by Barbara Gill
For the Love of Rachel: A Father’s Story by David Loewenstein
Special Parent, Special Child: Parents of Children with Disabilities Share Their Trials, Triumphs, and Hard-Won Wisdom by Tom Sullivan
back to top
|
