American families with children who have special health care needs face significant challenges, including extensive care requirements and complex healthcare systems. These families show remarkable resilience and creativity, but still endure substantial financial and emotional burdens. The cost of raising a special needs child averages $2.5 million, nearly ten times higher than raising a non-disabled child, and families often need 17.8% more income annually. Additionally, 16% of families with special needs children struggle with medical expenses, compared to 7% of families without disabled children. Only 44% of mothers and 52% of fathers of special needs children report excellent or very good physical and mental health, compared to higher percentages among parents of non-disabled children.
Effective Tools For Working Parents Raising Special Needs Children
Updated on September 9, 2024