It is estimated that 5% of all children in the UK - some 700,000 - are disabled and the financial burden of bringing up disabled children pushes many families into debt.

Over half of families raising disabled children live on the margins of poverty, according to New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) who produced the report, more than four times the proportion of other families.

Disabled children have the same needs as other children: to learn, have fun, make friends, play and go on holiday. However, they face many barriers that prevent them from doing these things, leading to loneliness and frustration. Many disabled children do not get the equipment, therapy or communication aids they require. This can slow their development and limit their capacity to take part in everyday activities.

Parents too have to go without. Often the combination of inability to go out to work and the higher cost of raising a disabled child resulted in a disproportionate level of poverty and debt in these families. Caring for a disabled child takes most of the day and can also involve night-time care (as many as 45% of children in special schools wake up regularly at night).

Many families say they cannot qualify for grants simply because it costs too much for their stretched budgets. The government’s grant towards adaptations and facilities is means-tested. For example, families on a total income of £40,000 per annum are expected to contribute £81,000 towards the total cost of adaptations. Only 2% of families claim they can afford the contribution.

But money is only part of the problem. Martin Brookes, head of research at NPC, said: "Many of these families also suffer from stress and social isolation and this is where charities can play a valuable part."

The NPC, which advises donors to charities on how to give more effectively, said the most valuable thing that charities could do was provide emotional support and the opportunity for carers to take a break.