Helping Parents Deal with the Fact That Their Child Has a Disability
Resource Details
Being told that your child has a disability can be as traumatizing as learning of a family member's sudden death. Many parents are stunned by such news. Receiving such a message can produce overwhelming emotions of shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, and despair. Within that moment, research has shown that some parents cannot distinguish between the unconscious wish for an idealized normal child from an unthinkable, sudden reality of one who is not.
For some parents, just trying to comprehend the disparity between their desires for their child and the disability that exists compounds their emotional and intellectual efforts to adjust to the situation.
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DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.
The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.
Looking for more?
Search the full resource database.
DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.
The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.
Looking for more?
Search the full resource database.
DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.
The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.