Raising a child with a disability is not defined by milestones or timelines. Instead, it’s shaped by endurance, advocacy and a level of responsibility that rarely lets up. While systems are set up to support children, the mental health of the parents providing ongoing care is often overlooked.

Dr. Wen-Hsuan Chang of our Department of Educational Psychology explores how prioritizing parents’ well-being can strengthen disability systems and improve outcomes for children and young adults. “Raising a child with a disability is typically a lifelong marathon,” Chang said. “If we expect parents to provide that level of guidance, then schools and communities should help protect their mental health.”

Dr. Wen-Hsuan Chang presents research on supporting parents of children with disabilities during the 2026 Voices of Impact Speaker Series.

As Chang worked with families, she recognized how unaddressed mental health challenges can affect parenting decisions. Parents tend to put their children’s needs first, even when their own well-being is declining. At the same time, stress and anxiety may develop slowly without being noticed until burnout hits.

One of the main turning points for families is during the transition from high school into adulthood. “It’s often the last chance families have access to coordinated support,” Chang notes. “Afterward, parents are expected to navigate systems on their own.”

Many parents are balancing responsibilities for their child’s housing options, employment programs, healthcare services and benefits while also managing their own health and financial needs. This may add pressure and uncertainty when families don’t have the time or resources to prepare for what comes next.

With children growing more independent, parents often need to make an emotional shift from a protective role into a coaching one. A protector mindset comes from love, safety concerns and years of managing complex needs. However, children and young adults benefit when parents gradually step into a coaching role, even though the transition can be challenging.

“Instead of saying, ‘I’ll handle this so you’re safe,’ a coach says, ‘I believe in your ability to figure this out and I’m here if you need help,’” Chang recommends this adjustment to open the door to more opportunities.

The most effective support systems share a common purpose of helping parents feel more in control and connected to prevent burnout. Chang highlights ways systems can boost parental well-being and make long-term caregiving more sustainable, including:

Policy and Systems Level

• Universal family transition roadmaps outlining resources across life stages
• Coordinated funding and service navigation guidance

School and Professional Level

• Routine screening for parent stress during future planning
• Clear handoffs between school support and mental health providers

Community Level

• Social connection and respite opportunities
• Regular check-ins from friends, family and community networks

By caring for parental mental health, communities can enhance educational outcomes, family stability and quality of life for those with disabilities. Guiding parents early and consistently helps families feel more prepared and confident at every stage.

“The goal is to help parents stay connected to who they are beyond caregiving,” Chang emphasizes. “They are partners, professionals, friends and members of our communities. Supporting them, we not only strengthen the network for children with disabilities but also build a more connected, resilient community for everyone.”

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.