A mother of a special needs child has shared how social media has helped her find a community and tackle issues of isolation.
Deborah Hannigan (39), from Donegal, recently won Family and Parenting Creator of the Year at the Vava Awards in Belfast.
Deborah’s youngest child, Ezrah, has trisomy 12p — an extremely rare chromosomal disorder — and global developmental delay, a rare genetic disorder.
Ezrah turns 13 this month and is believed to be the only child living with the disorder on the island of Ireland.
Deborah Hannigan
Deborah began sharing videos of her life on social media two years ago.
“I like to show the fun side and the positive side, but there’s days that are really hard days as well,” she said.
Gareth and Deborah
Deborah said she is proud of the community she has built on social media.
“So many people from the special needs community have got in contact with me and it’s just kept me going, it’s been amazing, actually.
“I love to be able to speak to people in similar situations to me and I have people messaging me all the time saying they appreciate how open I am.”
Deborah said sharing her story on social media has helped combat the loneliness often associated with parenting a special needs child.
“It was amazing because you realise you are not alone because it can be very isolating being a parent of a daughter with special needs,” she said.
“It makes you less alone whenever someone reaches out to you and says: ‘I’m in the same boat as you’.”
Deborah and Ezrah
Deborah said she is grateful for the support system she has and highlighted the role her family network played.
“I have not been well at times and I depended on my husband a lot, he’s my support and my dad, my wee daddy, God bless him.
“He’s in my house every day, he really is.”
Deborah - who also runs a beautician’s called The Glam Room based in Lifford - said she is aware that some parents may not have such a strong support system, but wants those parents in that situation to know support is available.
“Reach out for help, to anybody, even me online just to have a quick chat and say: ‘Look, I’m not well today’,” Deborah said.
“But I would reach out, try and get respite and don’t be afraid to use the services, because a lot of parents don’t use the services because they’re afraid for their child, and rightfully so.
“But sometimes you have to put trust in these places when you are struggling.”
Gareth, Deborah and Ezrah
She wants other parents to know they don’t have to be stuck inside.
“It’s showing people that you don’t have to sit in the house 24/7, that you can get up, you can work, you can have a career as well and have an online presence if that’s what you want.
“Just because you’re a special needs mum doesn’t mean that that’s your title for the rest of your life.”