Remember that early intervention is vital in gaining the maximum experience for the child. Learning experiences, social skills, and treatments can help. If speech therapy will help your child, enroll them at an early age.
Make sure that communication is open and that you are heard as well. Get questions answered and be adamant that you must have all information about your child’s condition. If the information you seek isn’t forthcoming, find out why and consider a change in medical personnel.
Get the best professionals possible. If a beloved family practitioner isn’t the best individual to deal with language disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing impairment or any of the other special needs children may have, find the right doctor. A specialist who treats children with like needs may be a better option. Depending on the child’s needs, a team of professionals may be the ultimate option.
Get tough and be persistent. When seeking information or treatment for a special needs child, don’t stop until you’re satisfied. Make sure you understand everything you are told and when you don’t, insist that the information be made clear. Parents know their children and if a medication doesn’t seem to work, tell someone and make sure they listen. Be a nag – you are your child’s advocate.
Keep records. Maintain a record of all diagnosis, treatment, therapy, tests, appointments, doctors, therapists, facilities, and prescriptions. Record what worked, what didn’t, what was determined and what was not. Maintain a list of emergency numbers and keep them posted by the telephone. Make a list of caregivers that you trust with your child. If the child enters pre-school, school, or a facility, make sure that all care givers have the list of trusted individuals. Also be certain that they have the pertinent information needed to work with your special needs child.
Keep both parents involved. Don’t go it alone – have your spouse as informed and active in the child’s life as you are. Strong parental involvement and support are helpful to children – whether they have a medical condition, a congenital disability, or are completely healthy.
Be realistic. Know your child’s strength and limitations. Don’t force a child beyond his or her ability. When seeking treatment or therapy, understand that many unproven methods exist. Confirm that any medical intervention has a proven track record and that it has the potential to help.
Accept the situation. That doesn’t mean give up on improving or even healing a treatable condition but it does mean accept that your child has special needs, which he or she is not an average child and may never be. Love the child as they are, not as you wish they might become.
Be smart about money. Having a special needs child can incur additional expenses that can be major. Get the facts about costs, about available financial aid from state, local, and government agencies.