Tip of the Week: Connecting with other “ordinary parents with special children”

Every other year, I attend the National PWS conference and meet new people who share their unique and helpful experiences. Today, our team met Gina (Terrasi) Gallagher and Patricia Kinjoian, authors and sisters who discuss their experience as “ordinary parents with special children.” In their book, they discuss the “frustrations, sadness and stigmas they face as parents of children with disabilities.” This afternoon, they shared Latham Centers’ video “And they said my child would never…”  on their Facebook page because they too felt the experience of hearing people say, “your child would never,” and they were able to say, “Yes—my children did, and they will!”

As a specialist in the field of Prader-Willi syndrome, I find it’s critical – and I suggest to all parents and caregivers – to get to know others in your community because their support will help you, your family, and your child succeed.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families, and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.