707 | Strength for the Journey: Helping Couples with a Special Needs Child

Marriage can be a complex and demanding relationship; however, sustaining a marriage while raising a child with special needs introduces additional layers of difficulty. Research indicates that the divorce rate among couples with a special needs child may be as high as 70-80%. As the prevalence of special needs diagnoses continues to rise, families face unique challenges. This workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of the special needs marriage, offering an innovative approach to its key components. Special attention will be given to three critical perspectives: 1) The Long View: Navigating marital dynamics in the later stages of life; 2) The Short View: Managing the urgent and overwhelming demands of day-to-day life; and 3) The Attachment View: Examining how the attachment framework differentiates special needs marriages from typical marriages. The goal is to equip therapists, counselors, and pastoral counselors with practical tools to support special needs families effectively, drawing from a holistic and systemic therapeutic approach.