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Learning Your Child has a Special Need

February 1st, 2017  | Kaitlyn Straub

        It can be scary, as a parent, when someone tells you your child is developing slow.  Whether it be physical or mental, any "abnormality" immediately sends parents into concern, and often, denial.  When a professional, be it an ECE or a teacher, tells you your child may need some extra help in some area, it is never out of judgment.  We are not insinuating that you are not raising your child well, or you have done something wrong; we solely want to make sure your child is getting the education that will help them best to learn and grow.

 

        Autism is a great example.  Many parents, when they are told they should get their child tested become offended and deny anything being wrong.  This mentality can be dangerous and lead to more stress on both the child and the parents.  The child being forced to reach exaltations from their parents and parents being disappointed when the child in unable to do so.  If your child is tested for diverse need (be it autism, downs syndrome, ADD or dyslexia) and are found positive, so many doorways and opportunities are opened for the family to explore.  There is nothing wrong with getting extra help where needed.  Everyone involved only wants to help your child reach their full potential, regardless of if they have a special need.

 

        Every person and every child has area which they excel in and areas where they could use a little extra assistance.  Having your child tested will help professional understand the best way to help your child in the areas they need it. 

 

        It is understandable that finding out your child has a special need can be scary because to many, this can be like stepping into a whole new world.  Humans, by instinct, are scared of things they do not know, so do some research, get to know what your child is living with, connect with other parents in you community who have children with the same things.  The more you learn about your child and their special need, the more comfortable you will be and the more confident you can be in helping them reach their full potential.

 

        I have also talked a lot here about mental needs, but physical needs can be just as scary.  Whether your child is born deaf or losses their vision at the age of 7; is born with an underdeveloped arm or is in a terribly unfortunate accident which puts them in a wheel chair.  These disabilities can be just as scary, if not more so because they are undeniable.  Again I say, there are resources to help you, people who will do all they can and teachers and early childhood educators who will modify their classrooms to make everything accessibly for all of their students, regardless of special needs.

 

        For parents who are unsure about their child’s needs or have a child with a diagnosis and feel they need a little extra help, need support, or want to learn a little more, I encourage you to check out these links:

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Ted Talks:

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Early Intervention Resources:

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Learning Disorders:

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Cognitive Disorders:

 

Physical Disabilities:

 

Parenting Tips:

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