Just Like Us Parenting Children with Intellectual

Disabilities impact on an enormous number of Australian families. Intellectual disabilities, however, are rarely highlighted when the topic is focused upon.

Parents like Carol Martin, who have children with an intellectual disability, find their whole life can change in a split second. The birth of a baby (or in Carol’s case, twins), takes you into a world you never imagined. Certainly one you never thought you would be part of. Brain damage, intellectual disability, developmental delay – words that were never part of your vocabulary can suddenly be as much a part of your life as breathing.

Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear for anyone; this story will bring a new understanding to all parents, but especially will give other parents in the same position as Carol hope for the future. They can learn from her mistakes, and most importantly, know that they are not alone.

This book is intended to help parents with children with a disability, particularly children with an intellectual disability. Carol is simply a mother whose life has changed in ways she could never have imagined.

These are not disabled children – they are simply children with a disability. They don’t need our sympathy, they need – and deserve – our encouragement and support, our love and our laughter.