Parents of Children with Special Needs | Support Guide

What do we mean by a child with special needs? It is a term used to describe a child who requires additional support or accommodations in various aspects of their life due to challenges or conditions that may affect their development, learning, behavior, or emotional and social well-being. These specific needs can result from various conditions, such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, mental health issues, adjustment difficulties, or other factors that require individualized attention and specific interventions to support their growth and inclusion in society.

Financial Aid for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Provincial

Disability Child Benefit

This financial assistance is intended to support families in the care, support, and education of a child whose disability significantly limits their daily activities, with a duration of at least one year. The aid amounts to $229 per month and is granted regardless of family income or the type of disability. It is non-taxable and adjusted annually in January. Notably, the disability child benefit is included in the Family Allowance for children requiring exceptional care. For more information about this aid and other available resources, refer to the Retraite Québec website.

Employment Assistance Cheque

Another excellent resource to facilitate access to home support services. Typically offered by institutions within the health and social services network, such as local community service centers (CLSCs), these services include a comprehensive assessment of individual needs, personalized service planning, and provider selection, such as Bien Chez Soi, to address the child’s specific needs. To access this, you must contact the CLSC in your area.

The Direct Allocation, which integrates the employment assistance cheque, offers greater flexibility and autonomy to users in selecting and employing workers for home services. Additionally, Direct Allocation aims to prevent caregiver burnout by providing an effective alternative for managing home care services.

Federal

Federal financial support is also available. The Disability Child Benefit (DCB) is a non-taxable monthly financial support offered to families with a child under 18 who has a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment in Canada. To be eligible for the DCB, one must qualify for the Canadian Child Benefit (CCB) and the child must also be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). If the child already receives the CCB and is eligible for the DTC, the DCB is granted automatically.

The amounts of the DCB vary based on the number of eligible children and the Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI). They are recalculated annually in July based on the previous year’s AFNI. The benefit decreases progressively as the AFNI exceeds $75,537. It is essential to file your tax return on time each year to avoid delays or interruptions in payments. It is also crucial to keep your personal information updated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to ensure the correct amount of benefits and credits. In cases of abuse or violence, special arrangements are available to receive benefits and credits without endangering family safety.

Support for Emotional Well-being

Parents of children with special needs should surround themselves with a strong support network to cope with daily challenges. Here are some tips for building a supportive environment:

• Education and Information: Learn as much as possible about your child’s specific needs and the available resources to support them. This can include reading materials, workshops, support groups, and consultations with health professionals.
• Health Professionals and Therapists: Work closely with health professionals such as doctors, therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, etc. They can provide advice and interventions tailored to your child’s needs.
• School and Educators: Collaborate with your child’s school to develop an intervention plan to address their specific learning needs. Communicate regularly with teachers and school staff to monitor progress and address issues.
• Support Groups: Join support groups for parents of children with special needs. These groups offer a space to share experiences, advice, and resources, as well as to find emotional support from those who understand your challenges.
• Family and Friends: Involve extended family and friends in the process by explaining your child’s needs and asking for practical and emotional support when needed.

Need Respite? Home Assistance

Simply wanting to help is not always enough to provide the necessary support. Coping with reality and offering adequate support to our loved ones can be challenging. Often, a lack of time or energy becomes apparent, and some tasks become too demanding over time.

If you need respite as a parent of a child with special needs, it is important to seek resources to recharge your batteries. Home assistance services, such as those offered by Bien Chez Soi, allow you to take time for yourself. They provide support in various areas such as:

• Conversation and companionship
• Homework help and cognitive stimulation
• Bathing and personal hygiene assistance
• Mobility assistance
• Meal preparation
• Accompanying your child to appointments
• Help with shopping and groceries

Whatever your situation, solutions are available. Bien Chez Soi offers a variety of home assistance services to support caregivers, allowing you to maintain your mental and physical health. You can have peace of mind knowing your children are in good hands.

Combat Isolation

Did you know that parents of children with special needs are at higher risk of social and emotional isolation due to the additional challenges they face in their daily lives? Increased responsibilities related to caring for and educating the child, as well as constant concerns about their well-being, can often limit social interactions. This isolation can have negative effects on mental health and overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to establish strong and accessible support networks to feel supported and understood in this sometimes challenging journey. Our goal is to help you so you can truly take time for yourself.

Bien Chez Soi: A Trusted Partner for Your Child’s Well-being

At Bien Chez Soi, our priority is to offer you a solution that perfectly meets your needs. We are committed to creating a customized match with one of our Caregivers, considering your lifestyle and, most importantly, your child’s personality. It all begins with a home visit, with no obligation on your part. A consultant will contact you to schedule an appointment at your home. The goal is to meet you, understand your needs and those of your child, and offer the most suitable assistance for your situation through our personalized matching process.

To help others, it is essential to feel good yourself. Therefore, remember to give yourself time and create well-being spaces in your daily life. By feeling good, you will be more effective in providing help and more willing to support your loved ones.