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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. Covered in this guide:
At the time of diagnosis, there are several things you can do to prepare you for this lifelong journey.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Advocates gather facts and information. As you gather information and organize documents, you learn about you child’s disability and educational needs.
Gain knowledge from their child’s doctors, specialists, special education experts, teachers, and anyone else who can provide information. Also as important, parents can connect with both individuals with disabilities and others parenting children with similar needs.
Become like a reporter: Ask questions like, “who, what, where, when, why and when” and then listen carefully to the answers you receive. Research relevant questions and then document responses instead of simply relying on your memory.
Be a problem-solver rather than a problem-maker. Work together to solve problems with your child’s teacher or child care providers by proposing solutions. Be open-minded and hear proposed solutions from the educational side as well – since children behave differently in different settings. Create a possible plan that works best for child in all environments, including both at home and at school.
From an early age, many children with special needs can advocate for themselves by saying no or making simple choices. But self-advocating might be hard if your child doesn’t understand the situation, the processes or their rights, or they don’t feel confident to speak up.
accessABILITY is committed to empowering people with disabilities to maintain control over their lives and offers a group where parents come together to support and empower each other as we raise our children with disabilities.
Connecting Caregivers – Statewide virtual parenting support group, hosted by the Autism Society of Indiana, for individuals parenting children on the autism spectrum.
Easter Seals Crossroads Autism Family Support Group is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of individuals with autism. This group meets at Easterseals Crossroads on the third Wednesday of each month from 5-7 p.m.
If you are aware of a parenting support group for children with disabilities, please contact us to be added to the list.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether it is getting out into your local community to explore and interact with others or implement a system of visuals to support your child’s behaviors, we have you covered. Check out these resources or search a variety of parenting topics in our resource center.
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.
