Are there resources that can help me be an effective parent?

I'm concerned because I feel that my special needs child is taking up so much of my time and attention that sometimes his or her sibling(s) feel left out. Are there resources that can help me be an effective parent even though I am stressed?

There are a variety of organizations that offer support groups and classes for parents and family members of special needs children. Two excellent resources are NAMI and Regional Center. You may a lso want to take advantage of respite care to allow you to take a break from your caregiving role and let you spend some time with your other family members.

Here at the Nathanson Family Resource Center, we have a number of books related to this issue including:

  • A Family Affair: Helping Families Cope with Mental Illness by Abigail Van Buren
  • When Madness Comes Home by Victoria Secunda.

Also, there are some sites online that may help:

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Nathanson Family Resource Center at UCLA