Special-needs children come in many varieties, and more than ten million children with special needs live in the United States today. These needs range from minor conditions that may improve with therapy and treatment to permanent conditions that will limit the child’s function for life.

Allergies – including those to milk or a particular food or food group – are at the mild end of the special needs scale. Severe mental retardation and life-threatening medical conditions are at the other.

Parents of special needs children must learn that they must not only deal with their child’s individual needs but to make a safe, loving environment for the entire family.

Learning About Special Needs

The first step in raising a child with special needs is to understand the child’s condition. Early diagnosis is vitally important in most congenital diseases and conditions. Knowing the cause for a child’s condition can help parents – especially if the cause is beyond parental control. Understanding that a birth defect or handicap was not the fault of either parent can relieve feelings of guilt.

Once a diagnosis or other determination has been made, parents need to listen and learn. Listen to the medical professionals who confirmed the condition. Ask questions. If questions come after the office visit, don’t be bashful. Call and talk to the doctor to gain the necessary information. Learn what you can about the special needs of your child. Check the Internet for sites that cater to parents of similar children. Opt for sites that end with .org or .gov because these are non-profit or government sites. Look for online support groups or seek out support groups in your community. Read about the disability or disease that affects your child and be informed. Don’t limit your knowledge to books alone. Read medical journals and stay abreast of the latest information, the newest treatments. Know what to expect now and as the years pass. Most physicians will provide a written evaluation or report but if not, ask for one.