Description
Book SynopsisThis insightful guide shows professionals how to collaborate with parents and guardians of children with disabilities in empathic, respectful, knowledgeable, and supportive ways. Packed with first-hand accounts and advice from parents and guardians, this book shines a light on lived experiences and reveals paths toward meeting families where they are in order to move forward together. Boroson emphasizes that appreciating the real needs of these families is a crucial step beyond mere adherence to a generic set of professional best practices or principles. Whether working in the field of medicine, education, law, mental health, or related servicesin any capacityreaders will come away with the holistic knowledge, inclusive language, productive strategies, and differentiated understanding needed to work effectively with the diverse families they serve. Included is a robust array of resources for families, such as books, articles, associations, organizations, and support networks,
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Who Is This Book For?
Why Do You Need This Book?
Radical Acceptance in the Trenches
Chapter 1: Grief and Loss
Facing What Is
Dealing with Feeling
Kids… Facing What Is
Giving Up Hope
The Comparison Game
Chapter 2: Guilt and Shame
Is This My Fault?
Am I Doing Enough?
Am I Good Enough?
Typically Developing Siblings
Placement
Chapter 3: Isolation and Marginalization
Not Worth the Risk
No One Gets It
No One Comes Around
Judgment by Kids
Judgment by Strangers
Judgment by Friends and Family
Spouses and Partners
Forever Parents
Chapter 4: Stress and Fear
Exhaustion
Loss of Self
Financial Burden
Asking for Help
Behavior and Aggression
Burnout
Worry
Fear For the Future
Terminal Illness
Chapter 5: Disparities and Disenfranchisement
The System
Accessibility
Health Disparities
Unconscious Bias
Cultural Perspectives
Credibility Deficit
Epilogue
References
Resources for Support
