Peaks and Valleys of Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs

Abstract Parents with children with special educational needs play a pivotal role in providing support, advocacy, and care for their children. While numerous studies have explored the experiences of these parents, research focusing on those in rural areas is limited. Rural parents often face unique challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of access to trained special education teachers, financial constraints, and social isolation. This study aimed to explore the peaks and valleys of parents with children with special needs and examined the impact that these experiences have on the parent’s mental health and quality of life. A phenomenological research design is employed. The study included five participants, all residents of Barangay Caucab, Almeria, Biliran. The findings revealed that while parenting a child with special needs is emotionally and physically demanding, it also offers moments of joy and fulfillment, particularly when parents witness their child’s progress. However, these parents frequently struggle with financial burdens, social isolation, and communication barriers. Coping mechanisms such as seeking community support and practicing patience were crucial in maintaining their well-being. Although some government programs and social networks provide assistance, the study found a significant gap between the support needed and the support received. The study highlights the importance of improving resources, government programs, and community support for parents of children with special needs in rural areas. Keywords: Peaks; Valleys; Parents of Children with Special Needs; quality of life; Philippines