Parenting Children with Special Needs

Early Intervention: Birth-Age 3

There are lots of skills that develop in the first three years of a child’s life. Some infants and toddlers meet developmental milestones more slowly than expected. This is called a developmental delay. Early intervention can help infants and toddlers with delays catch up in their development.

If you have concerns about your child’s development or want to seek an evaluation, connect with your local First Steps program, Indiana’s Early Intervention provider.

Special Education Through Your School System

Once your child turns three years old they may qualify for services through your local school system. For children ages three through Kindergarten-aged, developmental preschool provides a part-time educational option that includes both social-emotional learning and access to assigned therapies. Once your child enters K-12, they will receive full day special education.

Every state has parent education and information centers that serve families of children with all types of disabilities. Indiana’s resource center is InSource.

Ideas for interacting with your child

Accessible and inclusive playgrounds

Looking for a playground where children of all abilities can play in the same space? Indy’s Child lists local inclusive playgrounds where you can find equipment for all physical abilities and play experiences that meet a variety of needs and interests.

Managing Behaviors

Visit our resource center for ideas and suggestion for those times when you’re not quite sure how to handle or prevent challenging behaviors. Topics include:

• Managing behaviors
• Understanding behaviors and emotions
• Toddler behaviors and emotions

Visual Supports

Visual supports can help to provide structure and routine, improve understanding, avoid frustration, and offer opportunities to interact with others.