My Child Has Special Needs...Now What?

Parents are never prepared to receive the news that their precious child has a disability. Hearing the term 'special needs' for the first time can be terrifying and may initially quash all the hopes and dreams we have built for this special little being. The impending barriers seem almost too much to endure. The shock and ensuing grief can plunge a family into a rollercoaster of emotions, but there are successful strategies that may help make the adjustment period a great deal more bearable:

1) Families/caregivers should educate themselves, fully, on the child's disorder

• surf the internet
• visit your local library
• attend parent education seminars at your local Children's Hopsital or family resource centre

2) Establish your own support network

• seek guidance and support from family, friends and co-workers
• don't be afraid to ASK FOR HELP when necessary

2) It can be extremely therapeutic for families to join a local or online support group

• share with and support others who are going through similar struggles
• gain insight and strategies from others in your group
• be sure to establish similar connections for the other children in your family...siblings often have a difficult time adjusting, as well

Remaining positive, gaining as much knowledge, as possible, and staying connected with others will help you to be more focused. Your disabled child will open your eyes to a world of tolerance, patience, understanding and perspective. They will teach you and everyone around you the importance of love and simplicity. Cherish every moment, watch your child change and grow, and celebrate and enjoy every little milestone your child accomplished. Sometimes life's big challenges present themselves in the form of little miracles.

Are We Medication Obsessed?

It seems every time I turn around, there is another report telling me to medicate my kids (or myself) for something or another! Are we over-medicating ourselves? I know adults, now, who are being medicated for ADHD, and it seems that adults are taking anti-depressants in epidemic proportions. Previously undiagnosed, these pillars of our society are resorting to medication to "help them focus" and to help them cope with everyday life! Could it be that chronic over-scheduling is the root of all this mayhem? Could it be that stress, anxiety, depression, lack of focus, sleep deprivation, and a host of other symptoms could be eradicated by merely simplifying our lives somewhat?

There is no doubt in my mind that medication is a necessity for some, but just how many individuals out there are resorting to medications to help them function when all they really need to do is to slow down? What are your thoughts on this topic?

Autism...Maybe Not!

Does your child exhibit some symptoms of autism, but doesn't quite seem to fit the diagnosis completely? You may be interested to know that there is a new film being released in the next week that looks at this issue. Visit http://www.autisticlike.com/ to learn more!

More and more evidence is pointing to the fact that many children are being diagnosed with Autism because their symptoms fall within a gray area that is hard for even the best experts to understand. In order for these children to get the extra support they require, a diagnosis must be given.

If your child falls within this gray area, be sure to investigate the possibility that Sensory Processing Disorder may be the culprit. Knowing there may be an alternate reason for your child's behaviours could be very helpful in procurring the absolute best therapies available for your child. Proper early intervention is the best medicine!

Don't Give Up!

How many of you have been told that your child will never meet the same milestones as other typically developing children? For some, this is a reality that is hard to come to terms with.

Families must never give up! Believe that the impossible is possible because in many cases it is. The journey may take longer and the road may have several bumps along the way. With early intervention, a loving, nurturing family and extra therapeutic, behavioural, and emotional support a child CAN achieve the things that many thought he/she would never accomplish!

Be inspired and help your family to live life to the fullest! You just never know what little miracles may occur!

Here is a video to help inspire and lift you up as you forge ahead on this journey you are taking with your child! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROWbyKVLYr8

What's Best For Your Child? Public or Private School?

I work with families all the time who feel trapped by the lack of supports they feel are available to their precious child with special needs.

It might surprise you to know that these families are experiencing frustrations within both the public and private school jurisdictions. Yes, that's right! Placing your child in a private school setting doesn't always solve all your problems.

You must determine the best possible fit for your child. In some cases, that program may be just down the street at your local public school. In other instances, a private school setting may help your child to flourish and progress.

Keep in mind that no one school will be perfect, but finding the program that is as close to perfect as possible is key to making your child's school experience positive and successful!

Which program/school has provided your child with the most success and happiness?

Special Needs Resources

The simple definition of 'resource' is anything that is available to help or aid when it is needed most.

Special Kidz Canada was created to provide online resource information for families, caregivers, teachers, aides and clinicians who live or work with children with extraordinary needs.

The intent of this blog is to give tips, useful information, showcase new service providers and anything else that may be helpful to our blog readers!

We hope to be as insightful as possible, but we don't know everything! We hope that YOU will feel comfortable in sharing any information you may have, too!