How to Support the Family of a Special Needs Child

It’s no secret that families of special needs children face significant challenges
personally and fiscally. As a family member or close friend, you may feel the need to spring into action and help your loved one(s) as they deal with the responsibilities and changes to come. Pure Living Family shares a few meaningful ways you can show your support and make their load a little bit lighter.
Help with home modifications With special needs children, there will need to be several modifications that need to be made around the home to ensure their safety and accessibility. A few of these structural changes are minor and can be done quickly and easily, so pitch in if you are the handy type. Not only will your assistance help your loved ones save time and money, it’s also much nicer to have a familiar face help make changes to their home than to go out and deal with the uncertainty of hiring a stranger. That being said, some things are best left to the professionals. For example, having a safety fence professionally installed by a fence company is a must, as new fencing will not only provide a degree of security for the family, it will also enhance the value of your home. If you don't have time or skills for a proper DIY, explore information on area contractors to find someone with a sound reputation as well as the proper credentials for the job. Installing a fence averages $4,500, depending on which materials you use
and the size of your fence. Modifications may include constructing ramps, widening doors and changing knobs to levers, lowering countertops, installing grab bars, shower seats and walk-in bathtubs. These modifications may not seem like much to you, but it’s guaranteed that your loved one will appreciate you for helping them transition their home into a place more accessible for their child.

Start a crowdfunding campaign
Unfortunately, just because children have special needs doesn’t mean insurance will cover all of their medical expenses and therapy costs. A lot of times, families will have to cover the majority of these expenses out of pocket, which can quickly put a strain on the household. Thankfully, over the past few years a new trend called “crowdfunding” has spiked. Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people.

Platforms such as GoFundMe can help your loved one gain access to money and cut down on medical and therapy bills tremendously. The first thing you will need to do is set up a fundraising campaign online explaining how much money you would like to raise and for what cause (in this case, it would be to help your loved one with their special needs child’s medical expenses). After you make the campaign, you will be prompted to share it with friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, and email. Any donations made will be accepted by requesting a check or bank transfer, and a withdrawal can be requested at any time. Parenting a special needs child comes with many challenges, so your efforts to start a crowdfunding campaign for your loved one is a great way to display meaningful and lasting support.

Host an event that celebrates the special needs community
A lot of times, parents of special needs children seem withdrawn from social events and friends. Although this may not be done on purpose, it is easy for them to get caught up in making sure that everything is taken care of regarding their household, so maintaining a social life is not a high priority. They may also withdraw from having an active social life because not many others understand their responsibilities and what it’s like to care for an exceptional child.
A great way to be a bridge between your loved one’s family and the community would be to host an event that celebrates the special needs community in your area! There are several non-profit organizations that help raise money for individuals and communities to host free outings and events like fairs and petting zoos. Having these events will allow neighbors and others in the community to interact with your loved one and their child in personal and meaningful ways that will be truly appreciated by everyone involved.
One of the best ways to deal with whatever life hands you is to have the support of others. Offering kindness and support to your loved ones in such a challenging time will mean a lot to them and you will also reap the benefits of being compassionate and truly selfless.