Parenting Children with Special Needs

Family

Caregiving Approaches Self-Care and Wellness Special Needs

Expanding Your Parenting Toolkit

Parenting a child is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks we will face during our lifetime. In addition to the usual stresses and strains of parenthood, parents of children with special needs face additional pressures and must learn to cope with challenges in ways that will enhance, rather than hinder, the growth of their child. At the time of diagnosis, there are several things you can do to prepare you for this lifelong journey.

Do your research

One of the first things you can do is to collect information about your child’s disability, about the services that are available, and about the specific things you can do to help your child develop to the fullest extent possible.

Find out about services

There are a variety of services available to you and your family–many of these are possible due to legislation at the federal and state levels. Continue reading to learn more about the special education laws and programs near you.

Access care and education

All parents, at some time, will probably need to find care for their child in some form. Whether you are choosing a child care program, respite care, developmental preschool, or elementary school, we are here to help!

Connect with other families

Much of the information that will be helpful to you is in the hands, heads, and hearts of other parents like yourself. For this reason, it is worthwhile to join a parent’s group. We can help guide you in the right direction as you make that decision.

Connect with a SpecialistInclusive Child Care

Central Indy's Resource for Families

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Many parents wish their children came with instruction booklets. For caretakers of a child with disabilities, this feeling may be magnified. Our resource guide will help you navigate the many supports available in Central Indiana and discover answers to your many questions, including information on local advocacy organizations, accessing the Medicaid Family Supports Waiver, obtaining information on early intervention and school-based therapies, and much more!

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.

First Steps

Accessing Services

Inclusive Child Care

Early childhood inclusion means all children have access to high-quality early childhood programs. With access, they gain membership and meaningful participation in a learning community. Inclusion in high-quality care supports the right of all children and their families to find a sense of belonging.

Our Inclusive Child Care page gives you guidance on the best ways to learn your child’s rights and how to choose a program that best fits your child’s needs.

Accessing Services

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.

Medicaid Waivers

The Family Services Waiver through Medicaid provides families money for therapies and services, including ABA, respite care, and so much more!

Apply Today

Special Needs Panel

Hear from representatives from Autism Learning Partners, Down Syndrome Indiana, EasterSeals Crossroads, Family Voices Indiana, and IN*Source, all who serve the special needs population.

Special Ed 101

Toilet Training Children with Special Needs

Understanding Medicaid Waivers

Upcoming Workshop - Transition Out of First Steps

July 14, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m., - Learn about the transition process from First Steps and into special education through your local school district.

Resources for Child Care

PDF Resource

Individualized Feeding Plan

This printable feeding plan allows you and your child's care team to identify feeding needs and goals within child care.

Download

PDF Guide

Toilet Training Planning Form

Ready to begin the potty training your child? Use this tool to outline your child's needs related to the toileting routine and environment.

Download

PDF Resource

Individualized Care Plan

Use this tool to communicate your child's strengths, needs, and goals to your child care program.

Download

Advocating for Your Child’s Needs

What does it mean to be your child’s advocate?

As their advocate you may need to find information, go to meetings or appointments, share information, and collaborate with caregivers and teachers.

Know your child and their needs
Ask questions and listen to the issue
Prepare. Ask questions and do your research
Contribute to the solution. Provide tips and ideas

Advocating for Your Child's Needs: Challenging Behaviors

Communicating With Schools: Collaborative Strategies for Positive Outcomes

Additional Resources

Ideas for interacting with your child

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.

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:

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

Featured Resource

Toileting Supports for Children with Special Needs

Download our toileting guidebook for more information on supporting the development of toileting skills in your child, tips on beginning the process, a list of disability-specific resources, and ready-to-use printable forms to complete alongside your care team.

Guidance for

Your Child’s Unique Needs

Not all “special needs” are the same needs. Each child is different, and advice on how to parent them will likely differ based on your child’s diagnosis. Check out these expert tips for guidance on your family’s unique situation.

Overcoming obstacles while traveling with people who have ASD: When by car or plane, there are many benefits to traveling with a child on the autism spectrum. Get solutions for common obstacles and how to plan accordingly.
ADHD parenting tips: Learn how you help your child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) overcome daily challenges, channel their energy into positive arenas, and bring greater calm to your family.
Helping your child with anxiety: These pointers from the Child Mind Institute can help you guide your children to manage the cycle of anxiety and face their fears.

parent

Parenting Children with Special Needs

Expanding Your Parenting Toolkit

Do your research

Find out about services

Access care and education

Connect with other families

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Early Intervention: Birth-Age 3

Inclusive Child Care

Special Education Through Your School System

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

Medicaid Waivers

Special Needs Panel

Special Ed 101

Toilet Training Children with Special Needs

Understanding Medicaid Waivers

Upcoming Workshop - Transition Out of First Steps

Resources for Child Care

Individualized Feeding Plan

Toilet Training Planning Form

Individualized Care Plan

Advocating for Your Child’s Needs

What does it mean to be your child’s advocate?

Advocating for Your Child's Needs: Challenging Behaviors

Communicating With Schools: Collaborative Strategies for Positive Outcomes

Ideas for interacting with your child

Toileting Supports for Children with Special Needs

Guidance for

Your Child’s Unique Needs

Seizure Spotlight

Down Syndrome 101

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in a Nutshell

Parenting Children with Special Needs

Expanding Your Parenting Toolkit

Do your research

Find out about services

Access care and education

Connect with other families

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Early Intervention: Birth-Age 3

Inclusive Child Care

Special Education Through Your School System

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

Medicaid Waivers

Special Needs Panel

Special Ed 101

Toilet Training Children with Special Needs

Understanding Medicaid Waivers

Upcoming Workshop - Transition Out of First Steps

Resources for Child Care

Individualized Feeding Plan

Toilet Training Planning Form

Individualized Care Plan

Advocating for Your Child’s Needs

What does it mean to be your child’s advocate?

Advocating for Your Child's Needs: Challenging Behaviors

Communicating With Schools: Collaborative Strategies for Positive Outcomes

Ideas for interacting with your child

Toileting Supports for Children with Special Needs

Guidance for

Your Child’s Unique Needs

Seizure Spotlight

Down Syndrome 101

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in a Nutshell

Read more from our team of experts.

Autism Awareness: Putting Children First

Hearing Loss and Language Development in Young Children

Become a Children’s Mental Health Advocate

Early care and education news to your inbox

What are you looking for?