Family wellbeing
Being a parent, carer, sibling, grandparent or family member of a child with complex neurodevelopmental needs
Being a parent, carer, sibling, grandparent or family member of a child with complex neurodevelopmental needs
Caring for a child with disabilities or developmental differences can bring joy, fulfilment and fun. Some children need much more support with everyday life, which can place additional demands on families.
This might include:
Some children need additional support for many years or throughout their lives. These demands can take considerable time and energy and can sometimes feel isolating. This can have a financial impact, for example, one parent may have to give up work to become a carer.
Supporting the well-being of parents and carers matters too. Below are some sources of information and support.
For children with complex neurodevelopmental needs, their well-being can be closely linked to the well-being of those caring for them.
Families often do more than provide care. This can create additional work and stress for families. When services or support are difficult to access, parents and carers may also have to:
Stigma and discrimination can take many forms. It may be obvious, but it can also be subtle or difficult to name.
For example:
This can make it harder for children and their families to take part fully in the world around them. Parents may also have the extra work of managing other people’s reactions while supporting their child.
Sometimes discrimination is against the law. Disability organisations can help you understand your child’s rights.
Mencap page on stigma, discrimination and learning disability
Contact page for carers on stigma, discrimination and legality
Intersectionality is about how different parts of a person’s identity and circumstances can overlap and interact, affecting the discrimination or disadvantage they experience.
For example, a disabled child may also experience racism, poverty or other inequalities, which can create additional barriers for them and their family.
Many families reported parental stress or overload, and many had a full-time carer.
2 in 3
families said that parental stress or overload were issues
(239 out of 360 responses or 66%)
9 in 10
parents in our survey said emotional regulation or coping skills were issues for their children
(336 out of 360 responses or 93%)
2 in 5
said that safeguarding and safety were issues
(150 out of 360 or 42%)
2 in 3
families had at least one full-time carer
(164 out of 236 responses or 69%)
1 in 4
said that stigma or discrimination were issues for their family
(102 responses out of 360 or 28%)
Growing Different Parent Survey 2024 – notes and limitations
394 families of neurodivergent children took part in our online survey. Most children were autistic (about 8 in 10). People chose to take part, so the figures show their experiences, not all children. We did not compare them with any other group, so they can’t show how common something is or what causes it. Some questions had more responses than others.
Please credit ‘Growing Different Parent Survey 2024‘ and read more on our survey insights page
A link is not an endorsement. We are not responsible for the content of external links.
Family Fund grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child
Turn2us benefits calculator and grants search
Connecting I Coping I Daily living I Diagnosis I Environment I Health I Learning I Senses I Speech I Strengths
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Information created: July 2026 I Next review: July 2029
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This site gives general information, not medical advice. We share information and resources, but we can’t offer individual or one-to-one support. Always check with a professional before making decisions about your child.
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This project has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the CPCA (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority), delivered through Allia Impact Ltd.
