No one knows as well as someone who's been there. While there are services in the community to meet the needs of children and parents, grandparents have been an underserved population.
Grandparents can influence a family's adjustment as well.
They have the ability and are often called upon to provide support to the entire family. They serve many purposes for a child that no parent can fulfill, and they can lend to both generations the strength and love of the extended family. To be an effective supporter, grandparents must first have their own needs and concerns addressed. Grandparents have the potential to be each other's best resources. To meet other grandparents of children with special needs and share joy, concerns, grief, and common interests.