>Sometimes I also get the impression that parents who have children with
disabilities are invisible too.

I am also in this catagory as well, since as I stated before, I have two
special needs children.  And it does hurt, so much at first that all you
want to do is cry.  Especially when your neighbor (who is supposed to be a
freind) says "Who is ever going to want to marry them ?  I mean if they are
on SSI and can't work, no woman will want them."  That supposed to make me
feel better ?
One thing she doesn't understand is, if my youngest makes it to be old
enough to even think about getting married, I will be the happeist thing
alive since his chances of making it to adult hood (setting aside accidents
that can happen to "normal" children) is no better than about 60% right now.
So yes, being a parent of two disabled children,having to explain behaviours
to strangers, is a handicap in it's own right.
Deborah mom of 4


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