What Can Parents Do to Help Toddlers With Disabilities?

Understand the Disability

• There are many kinds of disabilities, and each has its own set of needs. For example, autism varies greatly from Down syndrome, so understanding the specific disability your toddler has helps you assist him in the ways he needs. Talk with your toddler's doctor about his disability and ask for referrals to specialists. This gives you a broader base of information about the challenges and risks you and your toddler face due to his disability. The more you know, the better able you'll be able help your child.

Early Intervention

• In many cases, early intervention gives your toddler the best chance of living with his disability. For example, getting your child help as soon as he's diagnosed with autism gives you the best chance of helping him gain as many skills as the condition allows. The Women's and Children's Health Network suggests partnering with professionals who can help you manage the disability. These people are trained to provide assistance to parents, so you don't have to do it all without help. If your child has a physical disability, a professional can help him learn to do things on his own and can help manage discomfort and pain.

Teach Him to Do Things

• Having a toddler with a disability might make it tempting to just do everything for him. Maybe he's in a wheelchair so you fetch him whatever he wants. Maybe he has a learning disability so you doubt his ability to learn new things and you skip teaching them to him. This does a huge disservice to your child. Even toddlers enjoy some independence and want to be able to do things for themselves. The Women's and Children's Health Network suggests breaking down tasks and showing your toddler how to do them. For example, teach your wheelchair-bound child to tie his own shoes instead of just doing for him every time. This boosts your toddler's self-esteem and gives him life skills.

Manage Your Emotions

• It can be sad and frustrating to care for a disabled toddler. Rather than ignoring your emotions, it's important to acknowledge them and seek help for them, if needed. A support group of other parents with disabled toddlers gives you a sounding board when you need to vent or need advice. Accept help when its offered. Taking a break for yourself gives you respite from the demands you face each day and lets you recharge and come back to your child with energy and rest.