Tips for Professionals Dealing With Parents of Children or Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Approximately 5 percent of the United States population is affected by some type of developmental disability. Professionals who work with the over 13 million individuals affected also spend time dealing with the parents. Parents of children and adults with disabilities need support and guidance just as much -- if not more -- than clients themselves. Learning how to provide the proper amount and type of support will help you in your job and your clients in their daily life.

Resources

• Provide parents with as many resources as you can. Talk to each parent about the type of resources needed for their child, such as self-help skills, therapeutic support during school hours or financial support. Give parents a list of places and other professionals they can use to help their child as much as possible. The Pacer Center and Parents Helping Parents are two online websites that provide information to parents of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Support

• Listen to parents' concerns about their child's disability. Answer questions openly and honestly. Find the answers to questions you do not have an immediate answer for by networking and talking to other professionals who can assist you. Let parents know you understand and empathize with their plight, but avoid making references to knowing how they feel -- unless you too have a child with developmental disabilities.

One-to-One Assistance

• Assist parents and clients in the home and community as much as possible. Talk to parents about the type of assistance needed, such as being there during transition times or help with dressing and feeding. Check with parents on a weekly basis to determine how to best meet their and their child's needs. Set up a schedule to keep you and the parents on the same page and prevent any lapses in services.

Education

• Provide parents with educational literature to help them better understand their child's disability. Give parents any first-hand knowledge you have regarding the disability from personal or work experiences. Providing parents with education allows them to learn how they can better serve the needs of their child into adulthood. It gives them a reference point to use when you can't be there to provide support and assistance.