Parenting Children with Special Needs

Advocates gather facts and information. As you gather information and organize documents, you learn about you child’s disability and educational needs.

Learn All You Can About Your Child’s Disability

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.

Ask Lots of Questions and Listen to Answers

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.

Here are some ways to help children learn to advocate for themselves.

• Build your child’s confidence by giving them the independence to do things on their own and to speak up and use their voice. One way to do this is by reading stories with your child about characters who stand up for themselves and others.
• Listen to your child. You can show your child that you’ve heard and understood by summarizing what they’ve said, validating their emotions, and being present. Provide the necessary supports for your child to express themselves as needed.
• Support your child to speak up. You can support your child by preparing them to express their point of view and ask for what they need. Back them up when they have an issue and let them know you support them no matter what.

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.

Register

Connecting Caregivers – Statewide virtual parenting support group, hosted by the Autism Society of Indiana, for individuals parenting children on the autism spectrum.

Register

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.

Autism Family Resource Center

If you are aware of a parenting support group for children with disabilities, please contact us to be added to the list.