You're Not Alone

If you have a child with a disability, becoming a teenager can be tough for them and tough for you. It's important to know there is support available to make things easier.

Young people worry about what they look like, and want people their age to accept them. This might be hard for your disabled teenager, especially if they look or act differently to others. They might feel left out if they can't do things their able-bodied friends are doing - going out in the evenings, learning to drive or meeting boyfriends or girlfriends. They might also start thinking more about what the future holds for them.

All these things mean your disabled teenager will need extra support and understanding from you. You can help them grow into a confident adult by encouraging them to do as much as they can for themselves, wherever possible.

Help for parents

If you have a disabled child, there's a lot to think about, including health care, education and special equipment. There are benefits available, such as Disability Living Allowance, which can pay for things like help at home, travel and meals.

Looking after a disabled teenager can be exhausting and you may want to chat to other parents in the same situation. Support groups can help - see Contacts for how to find one.

Sadly, disabled people are sometimes treated differently from others, and they are more likely to be bullied or abused than able-bodied people. In some cultures, people with disabilities are seen as less important. But disabled people have the same rights as everyone else, and it is important your teenager knows that you value and respect them.

Getting an education

Not all parents think it's important to educate their disabled teenager. Some don't think their child will ever be able to work, so education is useless. Other parents don't want to draw attention to their child's disability in case it affects another son or daughter's chances of getting married.

But if your child gets a good education it can improve their chances later in life, whatever their disability. There are good schools for people with special needs, but many disabled students do well as mainstream schools and colleges, too.

The rest of the family

Living with a disabled teenager affects the whole family. Parents tend to give a disabled child lots of time and attention, meaning brothers and sisters can feel ignored. So try to set aside time to spend time with all your children, and reassure them that you love them all the same.

Action

Try to build up their confidence - encourage them to find hobbies they enjoy and things they're good at. Also, get them to do as much as they can for themselves.

Prevention

Help them find out about the laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities - the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999. These laws mean that disabled people have the same rights as everyone else in important areas like education, transport and work.