This Is What It Means To Be A Special Needs Parent

THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT.

My daughter had a rough start in life, born with serious medical issues. She went through countless procedures and surgeries as an infant and toddler.

Her medical issues led to developmental delays, which led to years of therapies and interventions that are ongoing to this day. She is, and always has been, a fighter; resilient and strong. She has come so far from where she started.

Although she continues to make great progress each day, she is still significantly delayed compared to her peers in all areas.

This is what it means to be a special needs parent.

The last eight years have shown us the amazing little girl that we have. She is smart, funny and has an enthusiasm for life that is infectious.

There are so many things that make her the person that she is – her kind heart, her quirky interests, her love of people, her smile. We have watched her grow from an adorable infant into an incredible little person, and we are so lucky to have her in our lives. S

he has taught us so much about determination and love, and has made our lives and our hearts more full.

This is what it means to be a special needs parent.

As my daughter is getting older, we are finding what an emotional process it is to try to show the world all her strengths that we see everyday. I know what it’s like to sit through seemingly endless meetings and feel the disappointment and heartbreak after hearing all the things your child can’t do.

I know the frustration of having told your story over and over, and still feeling like no one hears you. I know how it feels to be fueled with determination to do whatever it takes to get the best for your child.

This is what it means to be a special needs parent.

My daughter, and every child with special needs, is so much more than what you see on paper. My daughter is not an IEP. She is not a diagnosis. She is not a percentile ranking. You have to look past all the evaluations and test scores and labels to truly know her and all she is capable of doing.

It is so difficult as a parent to see how so many people are unable, or unwilling, to do this.

As her mom, I will continue to do whatever I can to help the world view my child as we do. No one knows her better. I will be her biggest cheerleader, her number one fan and her loudest advocate. I will not stop until everyone can truly see her.

THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT.