Hearing that your child has a disability often occurs at, or shortly after birth. It can also occur after an accident or serious illness.
At these times it is not unusual for parents to feel grief at the loss of dreams they may have had for their child’s future and to worry about their future life.
Parents often feel lost about what to do next, where to go to for help, and have many unanswered questions such as “will my child ever walk or talk?” to “will I be able to maintain my job?”.
Depending on when you first receive information about your child having a disability, support from Novita’s many professional staff, family and friends or other parents in the same situation may help significantly by providing information and advice about a range of issues that may or may not have occurred to you at the time.
Some of these could be about:
- Understanding the diagnosis
- Explaining the difference Early Childhood Intervention can make
- Access to information about uncommon conditions
- Support groups for you and your child
- Understanding your child’s behaviour
- Specialist disability or health services
- Benefits, entitlements and other financial support
- Childcare options
- Practical in-home support
- Aids, equipment and home modifications
- Education
- Looking after yourself and your family; taking a break
- Play, recreation and leisure opportunities in the community
- The teenage years and becoming an adult
If you would like information or free advice, speak to someone in our friendly team on 1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482) or visit our Contact Us page for more ways to get in touch.