A child does not grow up in isolation. Each child affects and is affected by many aspects of their environment.  Families, schools, churches, culture, etc., all impact a child’s development and his/her beliefs and values. For this reason, a childhood communication disorder affects the entire family.    
         Once getting a diagnosis of a speech/language disorder, families might feel a sense of grief, fear, anger, helplessness, etc. Raising a child with any type of disability is associated with successes and joys, but also with specific challenges and stressors.  Challenges and stressors that families with children with communication disorders face include, but are not limited to: an inability to communicate with your loved one, an inability for your loved one to express his/her needs, feeling the need to always speak for your child or family member, locating resources and services for your family member, the feeling that your family member is not listening or complying with rules, and seeing your child or family member struggle to read, understand, interact, and develop important social skills and relationships on a daily basis. Communication disorders can also add additional emotional and financial strains.            
         The most important thing families of children with communication disorders can do is get informed and educated about your child’s specific communication disorder. There are great online and print resources about almost every communication disorder, as well as support groups, and pamphlets at local hospitals and schools. Understanding the disorder and its symptoms can not only help families cope, but it can also help families create realistic goals and be effective advocates for their family members. It is also very helpful to get in touch with local service providers, speech language pathologists, and schools to create individualized plans of care. Because early intervention is so crucial, Help Me Grow, Child Focus, and Head Start Preschools are great resources for families of infants, toddlers, and young children with communication disorders. Once in an elementary school, children with communication disorders are entitled to an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and services from the school-based SLP. Local hospitals, such as Children’s Hospital, also have great speech language pathologists that work with and address the needs of children and their families in respectful and caring manners. Parents and families have every right to participate in the formation of IEP’s, goals for their children, and the actual therapy itself. Parental/family involvement and support is highly encouraged and very beneficial to the children with the communication disorders.

Additional information and resources for parents and teachers of children with communication disorders can be found at: http://www.voicenation.com/resources/article-library/a-childhood-language-and-communication-disorder-guide-for-parents-and-teachers.shtml.