INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

You are seated in a doctor's office, your heart beating like a drum. The walls seem to shut in when you hear those life-changing words: "Your child has special needs." In that instant, it feels as if the world has shifted on its axis. Everything you thought you understood about parenthood, your own future, and your child's future is flipped upside down.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, bewildered, or even afraid, know that you're not alone. Definitely not. Every parent who has been in your situation has experienced the same emotional upheaval. It's like riding a rollercoaster without a ticket, replete with stomach-churning drops and surprising turns.

The first reaction is shock. It strikes you like a tidal wave and leaves you breathless. You may think, "This cannot be happening. Not for my youngster.