14 Feb Managing Stress as the Parent of a Child with Special Needs Recorded Webinar
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Taking care of a child with special needs, such as autism, can be a significant source of stress for the parent. Learn to manage your stress and take care of yourself so that you can function properly to be there for your family.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Matheis hosts a webinar discussing self-support strategies and assistance available to parents of special needs children.
What We Learned from this Video:
- Care for parents of special needs children is just as important as care for any other child.
- Parenting trauma can lead to PTSD.
- There are various coping methods available such as taking a break from the situation, breathing exercises and/or meditation, and journaling.
- It is important to spend time with each of your individual children, schedule one-on-one time and find respite care to look after your special needs children every once in a while to allow time for self-care.
- Utilize medication and therapy as needed – please consult your personal physician.
- Help explain to children (as much as possible given their age) what the conditions and needs of their special needs siblings are.
Reducing stress, guilt and trauma is very important for a parent and child’s mental health. Parents can utilize various coping methods to keep a healthy state of mind. Our blog is a great resource full of helpful health and wellness tips for both parents and people on the spectrum.