Raising a child with disabilities isn’t just another parenting challenge—it’s a unique, deeply personal journey that tests every part of your being. I’ve experienced firsthand the overwhelming emotional, practical, and societal hurdles that come with this role. In this post, I’d like to share the six main challenges I’ve faced as a father, along with the strategies that helped me transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Raising children is challenging enough on its own—but when one child has different developmental or neurodiverse needs, the dynamics within the family can shift dramatically. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and included. Yet, in many families, neurotypical siblings can sometimes feel overlooked or burdened by the extra attention their sibling with unique challenges requires.

When we began our journey with Harley, we had no idea how much of our lives would become centered around doctors, therapies, and the search for answers. By the time Harley turned three, he had already undergone three medical procedures. Simultaneously, early intervention therapies ramped up, and we found ourselves thrust into the overwhelming and often confusing world of medical care.

The journey to Harley’s Early Intervention was one filled with uncertainty, resilience, and love. From the first milestones to noticing subtle delays, we trusted our instincts and found hope through therapy and community. Read how this journey shaped our family’s path forward and the lessons we learned along the way.