by JP Shaw

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: February 23, 2009

They are the walking wounded. The carrier of hardships on their tiny shoulders. But what of those who take care of these little angels; the problems they face in dealing with a child who has disabilities? A family of such a child knows grief, sadness, fear, worry and more love than most families. They know that each milestone, each step taken toward the future is a positive one. And each step back, although a heartache at times, is a challenge to be conquered.

The isolation from friends and family, the change in routine and emotional dealings with siblings at each challenging stage of life. The problems faced by families with disabled children are greater than most people think. And whether it's Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, amputation, traumatic brain injury, down-syndrome, or learning disabilities like ADD or ADHD. Dealing and coping with the problems that come a child and those who care for them on a daily basis can build up over time.

THE COST - For many families taking care of a child that is disabled can be costly. Medications, therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, schooling, social and emotional development can all lead to money being swept away from a families pocket in order to help aid their disabled child through life. If you face such dilemma's as a family, knowing where to turn can help get you through.

Many families contact their community support workers, child development agencies which can help ease the burden financially for the necessities a child might need while coping with their disability. But the cost is still high and sacrifices are made by all family members in order to help make it through those trying times.

Take my almost 3 year old son for example, born with Cerebral Palsy. The cost of travel expenses back and forth to the Children's Hospital where he began treatment as an infant. Paying for parking, meals, accommodations because we lived out of town. And then moving expenses because the cost grew and got to be too high for our family to cope with.

Not to mention medications, orthotics and special devices to help aid him walk, speech therapy to help him learn to form his words correctly, developmental classes for socialization among his peers his age. All of these things add up. And when you have other children to love and care for, the cost can be more than a little overwhelming.

ISOLATION - Families face problems such as being isolated from their circle of immediate family and friends when

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