Parenting children with disabilities is an expensive endeavor that has become increasingly difficult for American families in the midst of an economic crisis. The necessities for a family with children with disabilities extend well beyond food, clothing, and housing.

Specialized child care, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic services must be squeezed into tightening family budgets. Even with health insurance, a recent study by Newacheck and Kim found out-of-pocket medical expenses to be more than double for families of children with disabilities compared to their typical counterparts ($352 versus $174). These financial demands are magnified by other unique economic consequences of raising a child with special needs.

Parenting Children with Disabilities Often Means Changes in Employment
Many parents of children with disabilities—especially mothers—are forced to reduce the number of hours they work, or cease employment outside of the home altogether. As financial advice columnists herald the value of debt reduction and saving, many families with children with disabilities are left with a devastating duo: few opportunities to earn income paired with what seem like never-ending costs.

If seeking a new or additional job is an option for a parent, the necessity of securing adequate health care benefits magnifies this challenge.

Children with Disabilities May Call for Different Family Structure
Further complicating the financial survival of families with special needs is the higher likelihood that these homes are led by single parents with access to only one income.

According to a study by Anderson, only 63 percent of children with disabilities in the United States ages 6 - 17 years lived with two parents, compared to 75 percent of typical children. Some of these numbers likely encompass the growing number of families that have chosen legal divorce as an option in order to qualify for a number of social services programs.

The Blurred Line of Poverty
Almost double the number of children with disabilities, compared to their typical peers, live at or below the national poverty line.

Research published in the August 2008 edition of Exceptional Children suggests that even high-income families that contain children with disabilities are struggling to buy groceries, keep up with housing costs and pay phone bills.

In stark contrast to the measures of economic hardship for families of typical children, the basic household poverty line for parents faced with the financial demands of disability should be modified upward. Advocates strongly suggest reform of public policy to better meet the needs of more families facing hardships.

Parenting Children with Disabilities Means Increasing Family Communication
No matter how carefully you protect your child from worries related to the family’s finances, it’s likely that exposure to the media or knowledge of the costs associated with their healthcare will at some point spark concern.

Many children with disabilities need assurance that the costs of their care are not a burden. Opening an ongoing dialogue about the economy of the country and the family can impart much-needed security for a child, as we know that the shroud of the unknown can be terrifying for people of all ages.

Consider the following suggestions when talking to your children about finances:

• Encourage fiscal responsibility and money-saving techniques in areas of family life outside of health care.
• Give clear answers, but don’t overwhelm your child with details.
• Craft your words carefully, because children are skillful at assigning self-blame. A casual mention of the rising costs of milk can lead to your child’s avoidance of drinking too much—or any at all!

If there’s a positive aspect to economic crisis, it’s that it provides the opportunity for a family to convene as a unit and to understand that no family is alone in its struggle to prosper.

Resources
Financially Preparing for Special-Needs Kids
A  September 30, 2008 article in U.S. News & World Report on the real – and daunting – family costs of raising special-needs children.

Financial Aid Resources for Purchasing Assistive Technology
U.S.-based resources to help purchase assistive technology and accessories to assist those with special needs.

See Related Articles
Sometimes siblings of children with disabilities get pushed to the side unintentionally.  To learn how to combat this issue, see The “Other Child” with Special Needs: Understanding Siblings of Disabled Children.

Every parent wants thier child to develop their physical and cognitive skills and have fun at the same time, while accomodating the child's disability.  For help on choosing toys appropriate for your child's age and disability, see Choosing the Best Toys for Your Child with Special Needs.