Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg — October 2025.
If your child has special needs, you might feel like traditional parenting advice doesn’t apply. Your family faces unique challenges, and it’s important to know where to turn for specialized resources and support.
With the right guidance, you’ll feel more connected and supported. It will be easier to handle your child’s developmental, educational, and medical needs — and manage emotions and relationships along the way.
Here are a few things to think about, with a small step you can take for each.
Accepting a diagnosis
Receiving and adjusting to a diagnosis can bring on so many feelings. Whatever you feel (or felt) is OK, and it will change over time.
You will probably become an expert in the condition. Your knowledge, paired with real-life advice from others who have been through it, will help you process your thoughts and feelings.
As a parent, you’re also aware of how other people react to your child’s condition. You know your child is so much more than the diagnosis, but it’s common to fear others can’t see beyond the “label.”
- Try to view the diagnosis as an opportunity for you and others to understand and support your child.
- Recognize your child’s strengths and look for ways to grow those strengths and skills.
What you can do now:
Talk with another parent who’s been in your position. You might find them through a local support group, online community, or social work referral.
Finding day-to-day and emotional support
Every parent needs a village, and even more so for parents of children with complex needs. A supportive village helps with:
- Childcare and medical help
- Home and day-to-day needs
- Helping you and your child feel seen and understood
Not everyone has a support network around them. You may need to seek out your own support, and it’s essential that you do.
Start researching services for children with special needs. There may be programs and assistance available in your state and local community.
Try reaching out to:
- Your healthcare and social work teams
- Support groups (in person and online)
- Nonprofit and advocacy communities
- Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Your Progyny Care Advocate
What you can do now:
Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We can talk through your employer benefits offerings, state and local resources, and support.
Thinking about your whole family
There’s no question, a serious diagnosis is felt by the entire family. It’s emotional. Your home setup may change. Schedules can be strained with appointments. And you may need to spend a lot of time on your child’s health needs, which can affect relationships.
Strategies to try:
- Communication: Encourage your family to share how they’re feeling. Counseling is common and can be a big help.
- One-on-one time: Try your best to protect alone time each week (or a little every day, if you can) with your partner or other kids.
- Self-care for everyone: It’s important for everyone to have time for their own well-being and interests. It’s OK to ask family, friends, and neighbors to help with transportation or other support.
- Planning. Family outings and events may look different. Plan ahead and set realistic expectations. This will help you roll with surprises and minimize setbacks.
What you can do now:
Block time for one day this week to enjoy an activity with a member of your family. You may need to ask someone to help cover caregiving.
Planning for your financial future
Raising a child with special needs is very expensive. You can reach out to hospital social workers or nonprofit groups for guidance on programs that can help. Some ideas to explore:
- Supplemental security income may provide financial help for families with limited income.
- Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program cover lower-income families and children.
- The United Way can help you connect with financial and other forms of support.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits for families with children with disabilities. Contact your state office to learn more.
- Nonprofits related to your child’s condition may be good resources for grants and financial assistance.
- Your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may be able to help you with financial planning and budgeting.
What you can do now:
This week, pick up the phone and call your Employee Assistance Program for help with financial planning or managing medical costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.