Family counseling can help all family members make adjustments that are necessary to cope with a special needs child. Short term assistance goes a long way in preventing problems over the long term. If you are in need of these resources, ask your family or your child’s pediatrician to give you a referral. You can also contact local child and family agencies.
Dealing with Reye’s Syndrome Disabilities
Though brain damage is not reversible, most often children that have experienced Reye’s Syndrome can progress and learn. Parents and family members must remember that the Reye’s Syndrome child can change and grow and they must be given the opportunity and room to progress at their own rate of speed. Family members should work together to see that all needs of the Reye’s child is met and to ensure the family continues to function in a normal fashion. Families must explore all options of treatment and when a decision is made all members need to support it. It is imperative that the family unit is balanced and harmonized as soon as possible after the Reye’s child returns home.
The social service department of the hospital where your child was admitted plays a large part in assisting your family. Social services should prepare a discharge summary in conjunction with the child’s medical team and parents. The discharge summary should give detailed recommendations for future evaluation and therapy. This should include occupational, physical and speech therapy, as well as any special education needs. A list of social service agencies should be included with each discharge summary. If the hospital doesn’t include this list, ask for a copy.
Parents should also take advantage of library services. Many communities publish directories that will point them to helpful local services. These are usually distributed to all public libraries.