for parents of children who are disabled as well as the children themselves.
Being
a parent of a child with severe disabilities can present quite a challenge and
many roadblocks in your life. The key is to always trust your own parental
instincts. Friends will be supportive and you should not be afraid of
letting them give you that support. It is also very important to learn as
much about your child's disability as possible. There are many good books
and experts in the world. The Internet is a great source of information. Be hopeful for your child and their abilities, most can and will achieve more
than you think they will be able to accomplish. It won't always be easy
and you and your child will have your ups and downs, I know from personal
experience.
Do you see yourself as being different than everyone else? Yes you are, but isn't everyone a unique and different individual? Yes you do have a disability, but that doesn't mean you have to not believe in yourself as being a very worthwhile person who can still enjoy many things in life. Other kids will have a hard time knowing how to react to you and so in their lack of knowledge or maturity may be cruel. Most of them do not mean it, they just don't understand you and what you have to offer. They often see you as a less than capable human being. They really don't know anything about handicaps or disabilities and in fact it might scare them.