Often, parents are at a loss when their newborn happens to be DeafBlind (DB). When the baby does not pass the standard hearing test, parents are typically bombarded by medical professionals and are under intense pressure to go in that direction.
Does this resonate with you? Often medical interventions are not the answer. This applies to DB babies, kids, and youth.
Upon birth and infancy, you may feel at a loss and in unknown territory. It can be a lot of grief and guilt, and it is a shock- because you’ve been planning for a hearing-sighted baby. Again, medical professionals and interventions are the first pathways you’ll likely learn about, and you may not know yet about the strong DB community out here. Most parents do not yet have connections to this community, or even realize there is one.
You may feel unable to fully connect with your baby. This leads to communication issues, and many feelings get in the way. You’ll likely find yourself not knowing how to immediately be co-present with your baby in ways that are different from your more familiar way of sights and sounds. You may try to speak to your baby when figuring out how to connect or how your baby is communicating and responding. When a baby does not respond the way parents are used to, it leads to frustration and overwhelm.
Many parents, as well as schools and other professionals, assume this is a behavior problem. But really, it’s that there is a different way to communicate and connect. It is a problem of language mismatch and of not having access to the DeafBlind community and DB persons who have lived experiences.
These are common experiences that parents of Deafblind children share. Are you among them? No need to worry! I know the strategies and approaches we can explore together.
I’m here to offer more information, provide support and guidance, and connect you with community resources, as well as other parents and families. And most of all–to help you connect with your beautiful DeafBlind child!