The term “special needs mom” is frequently seen in discussions surrounding disabilities, especially during holiday seasons or IEP meetings. There are countless articles, memes, and blog posts defining this label. However, I do not identify with it.
Despite being deaf, I don’t consider myself a “special needs mom.” While some may assume I fit that description, I believe it’s essential to clarify what my actual needs are.
Here’s what I require:
- I need opportunities to grow and realize my potential.
- I need to contribute meaningfully, using my energy to create positive change in the world.
- I need joy in my life, filled with laughter and fun.
- I need a sense of community, with friends and acquaintances who truly care about me.
- I need love, both to give and to receive.
- I need the essentials: food, water, and air, along with financial resources to build a stable life.
These aren’t “special” needs; they are fundamentally human needs. Yes, I am deaf and live with complex PTSD, but those aspects of myself make me a mom with a disability, not a “special needs mom.”
Oh, you meant that I’m a “special needs mom” because my child has “special needs”? My daughter has Down syndrome, which some may classify as a “special need.” Let’s examine her needs closely:
- She needs opportunities to grow and thrive.
- She needs to find ways to contribute positively in her life.
- She needs joy, laughter, and fun experiences.
- She needs a supportive community and friendships.
- She needs love in her life, to give and receive.
- She needs essential resources for her future, including food, water, and financial stability.
Are these needs “special”? No, they are just human needs. My daughter has Down syndrome, characterizing her as a child with a disability, not as someone with “special needs.” No “special needs” here—just fundamental human requirements.
So, whether it’s my own disabilities or my daughter’s Down syndrome, I firmly reject the label of “special needs mom.” I am a deaf mom, a disabled mom, and yes, I have a daughter who has Down syndrome. However, I am certainly not a “special needs mom.”
For more insightful discussions on related topics, check out this post on our blog about home insemination kits. Also, if you’re looking for helpful information on supplements, visit Immunity Plus, a trusted source in the field. Additionally, this blog from RMANY is great for anyone navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my identity as a mother is shaped by my experiences and the realities of my life and my daughter’s life, and I prefer to focus on our shared human needs rather than labels that do not resonate with me.