Supporting the mental health of children with disabilities and their families
Raising a child with a disability or developmental challenges is a journey filled with unique joys, deep resilience, and at times, overwhelming emotional challenges. When a child has a disability, the difficulties they face can extend far beyond the physical, developmental, or learning needs that are more visible. Often, the emotional and psychological toll of navigating a world that isn't always accessible or inclusive can be significant for both children and their families.
We understand that therapy isn’t always just about reaching the next milestone or functional goal (while of course these are important too!). It’s also about supporting the holistic needs of both children and their families, including their mental and emotional wellbeing.
In this blog, we’ll explore common mental health challenges experienced by children with disabilities and their parents, and ways to support positive mental and emotional wellbeing for all members of the family. We will further outline what mental health services and supports are available in Mackay and how families can navigate accessing these if required.
What do mental health challenges look like in a child with a disability?
Children with disabilities may experience mental health issues at higher rates than their typically developing peers. These challenges often stem from a combination of social exclusion, physical limitations, communication difficulties, and ongoing medical or therapeutic needs.
Some common mental health concerns include:
Anxiety
Worry about social situations, changes in routine, or medical appointments
Sensory sensitivities leading to stress in certain environments (e.g., noisy classrooms)
Depression or Low Mood
Feelings of isolation or being “different”
Frustration with communication or mobility barriers
Struggles with self-esteem and identity
Emotional Dysregulation
Difficulty managing big emotions (common in children with autism, ADHD, or trauma histories)
Meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed
Social Withdrawal or Loneliness
Trouble making or maintaining friendships
Misunderstood behaviour leading to exclusion
Sleep Difficulties
Linked to anxiety, sensory processing issues, or neurological conditions
Lack of sleep can worsen mood, attention, and behaviour
Mental health and disability often overlap, and one can affect the other. For example, a child with cerebral palsy may feel left out during playground games, leading to feelings of sadness or rejection. Or a child with autism might struggle with anxiety due to unpredictable school environments.
Mental Health Challenges for Parents and Caregivers
While raising a child with a disability comes with deep love and pride, it also comes with unique stressors. Parents and caregivers are often navigating a complex emotional world of their own with managing appointments, advocating for their child, and sometimes grieving expectations they once held around what parenthood would look like.
Chronic Stress and Burnout
Juggling medical appointments, therapies, school meetings, and daily care routines
Often feeling “on” all the time with little rest
Grief and Guilt
Grieving the idea of parenting you once imagined
Guilt about whether you're doing "enough" or making the right decisions
Anxiety About the Future
Worries about your child’s independence, education, or long-term care
Fear of them being misunderstood or excluded
Social Isolation
Feeling disconnected from friends or the wider parenting community
Missing out on events due to accessibility or behavioural concerns
Impact on Identity and Relationships
Feeling a loss of personal identity or purpose outside the caregiving role
Strain on relationships with partners or extended family
So…what can you do?
Children with disabilities often feel more secure when they know what to expect. Feeling safe and understood is the foundation of good mental health.
· Use routines and visual schedules to help them feel in control and reduce anxiety.
· Give warnings before changes in routine or plans. If appropriate, talk to your child about how they can manage big feelings in response to change, so they feel prepared.
· Create therapeutic spaces where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. These spaces could be calming, provide desired sensory input or offer movement and the expression of big feelings in a safe manner.
Foster Open Communication
Remind your child that it is okay for them to express their feelings, worries, and experiences and that you are there to listen without judgement.
Engage with your child in an activity of their choosing and use this opportunity to talk. Children are often more likely to open up through this type of connection rather than to direct questioning and uncomfortable eye contact.
Use age-appropriate language and tools (e.g., visuals, AAC devices) for children with communication challenges.
Help Children Express Their Feelings
Not all children can talk about their emotions easily, especially if they have communication differences. When children feel heard, they’re more likely to regulate their emotions and build resilience.
· Use tools like emotion cards, feelings charts, or role play
· Let them draw, act, or use toys to show how they feel
· Name and validate their feelings: “I can see you’re feeling frustrated. That’s okay.”
Focus on Strengths and Abilities
· Children with disabilities often work harder to reach milestones. Help them build self-esteem by highlighting what they can do, not just what’s hard for them.
· Celebrate small wins, not just big ones.
· Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Recognising their efforts can build confidence and intrinsic motivation.
· Work on skills through already established interests and hobbies
· Avoid comparing them to peers; honour their own pace
Encourage Social Connections
Friendships can be tricky for children with disabilities, but they’re so important.
· Look for inclusive social groups, clubs, or activities.
· Help your child practice social skills through role-playing.
· Encourage play with children who accept and understand your child.
· Even one good friendship can make a big difference to mental well-being.
Start Building a Toolbox of Coping Strategies
Every child is different and therefore, what tools or strategies help them to manage their mental health and wellbeing will differ. It is important to spend time getting to know what works for your child. Some common coping strategies include:
· Getting outside! Whether a relaxing walk or running and jumping, getting those little bodies moving in fresh air can be very regulating.
· Getting in water! This could be outdoor water play or splashing in a warm bath. Water can be very calming.
· Deep breathing. There are lots of different age-appropriate ways to support kids to engage in deep breathing. Try ‘dragon breaths’, ‘box breathing’ or slowly blowing bubbles!
· Sensory play or sensory based calming strategies
· Drawing, journalling or crafting
· Asking parents or caregivers for help
Model and Co-Regulate!
Children learn by watching. Show them what healthy coping looks like by modelling the above and support them through co-regulation. Children cannot manage their mental or emotional wellbeing on their own. They rely on trusted adults to do this with them and over time. This sets the foundation for the development of independent regulation as they get older.
Supporting Ourselves
Parents often put their own needs last, but your mental health matters too. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s a source of strength. Remember: a supported parent is better able to support their child.
Practice Self Compassion
· Be kind to yourself! Try saying daily affirmations like: “I am enough”, “I’m allowed to feel exhausted”, “It’s okay to not have all the answers.”
· Challenge your inner voice. Instead of: "I should be doing more”, try saying, "I’m doing my best with what I have."
Allow Space for Emotions
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, angry, or tired.
It’s very common for parents to grieve the idea of parenthood they had expected.
Accept that it's human to struggle (it doesn’t mean you’re failing).
Practice Self Care and Take Breaks Without Guilt
· Schedule regular ‘me time’. It doesn’t have to be long…10 minute intervals throughout the day can make a big difference.
· Practice mindfulness or deep breathing daily to help regulate your nervous system. Build your own toolkit of coping strategies.
· Get regular sleep and prioritise rest where possible.
· Create routines that support both your needs and your child’s.
· Set boundaries to prevent burnout (e.g. limit certain commitments).
· Plan regular short breaks or “mental health days”.
· Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your child.
Mindset Shifts
Let go of perfection. “Good enough” is OK.
Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.
Embrace flexibility. Plans may need to change.
Seek Connection & Support
· Confide in family and friends. Talk to them about how you are feeling and let them know if you are struggling.
· Build your community. Join in person or online support groups and attend local events.
· Use respite services and/or accept help from others where possible.
· Access professional support. Connect with disability agencies and mental health support services where needed.
How do I access professional mental health support for my child and/or myself?
Mental health challenges don’t mean something is “wrong” with your child or with you, they are a natural response to complex circumstances. What matters most is recognising that support is needed and knowing that help is available.
Medicare Mental Health Phone Line (previously known as Head to Health)
The Medicare Mental Health Phone Line is designed to support you to navigate the mental health system in your local community. You dint need a referral or to know what type of support your family needs. Mental Health clinicians will ask you questions about your circumstances and give you relevant information, advice and referral to local mental health services. This is a free service.
Phone: 1800 212 595, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm.
Please note: There are plans underway for a Medicare Mental Health Centre to open in Mackay in 2026.
Your Local GP Clinic
Your regular GP is another pathway to accessing mental health support. Typically, your GP will complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you and/or your child and refer you to a local psychologist or accredited mental health clinician. Normal appointment charges will apply.
Telehealth Psychological Support
The benefit of accessing mental health support via telehealth is that there are significantly reduced wait times and you or your child can access support from the comfort of your own home. This can reduce stress associated with getting to appointments (especially when you have multiple children!) and children having to manage a new environment.
There are so many telehealth options out there these days and it can be very confusing to know where to start. Some excellent and affordable options are:
Rural Health Connect
Rural Health Connect are a Central QLD based organisation that offer bulk-billed or reduced fees to families with a health care card or those experiencing financial hardship. They require a Mental Health treatment Plan and referral from your GP.
Phone: 0427 692 377
Email: info@ruralhealthconnect.com.au
Website: www.ruralhealthconnect.com.au
Good Minds
Good Minds are a NSW based organisation that offer bulk-billed sessions to all Australians with a Medicare card, regardless of financial position.
They require a Mental Health treatment Plan and referral from your GP.
Phone: 1800 955 586
Email: hello@goodminds.com.au
Website: www.goodminds.com.au
Crisis Supports
If you or your child are in crisis, contact Mackay Mental Health Service on 4968 3893.
If it is an emergency or you require immediate support, always phone 000.
You Are Not Alone
Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional working with a child with a disability, know that mental health matters and support is available.
Accessing mental health support early on can prevent long-term emotional struggles, helps build resilience and coping skills in children, improves family relationships and reduce stress at home. It can also help parents feel more confident, less alone, and more connected.
If you are not sure whether your child requires additional mental health support, please speak to your families General Practitioner or another trusted health professional.