Early intervention can make a big difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
The news that their child has a disability or developmental delay can leave a family reeling with sadness and disappointment. Parents often feel unprepared to seek services for their children that can make the difference between later success and failure in school.
Here are a few things you can do to be sure these important early learning years won't be lost:
Teach Yourself
Ask questions and learn about special needs resources available in your community and county. The more you understand about your child's disability, the more confident and empowered you will become when working with professionals who work with your child.
Use the Internet to research your child's disability and to e-mail special needs parents nationwide who have children with a similar disability.
Visit bookstores (Barnes & Noble provides a welcoming display of books about parenting children of special needs) as well as local and university libraries. "Laying Community Foundations for Your Child with a Disability" by Linda Stengle provides an excellent start.
Don't be intimidated by professionals or by the "system" that employs them. No one knows your child better than you, and only you know what it's like to live daily with a special-needs child.
Teach Your Child
Provide your child with a stimulating and nurturing environment. Provide a normal preschool experience, if possible, read books, arrange play with other children and attend family outings. This will serve your child well later as he or she adapts to the school environment.
Read to your child and speak using age-appropriate language.
Reach Out for Help
Develop a dynamic team of professionals to address your child's special needs, including a physician, and place yourself at the head of that team.
Take advantage of dynamic Early On Michigan (call 1-800-EARLY-ON) and other intervention services that may be offered by your state.
Contact your school district in your county as soon as you suspect your child may have a disability or is slow to develop in any way.
Seek help if you find it hard to accept your child's disability and its challenges. This help can come from a mental health agency, your family or within your faith community.
Network with Others
Few individuals can provide more tried and true resources than another parent. An added bonus? The social support of such a network can reduce the isolation and helplessness of parenting a disabled child.
Use the Internet to network nationwide, or join parent-support groups and classes offered by the Intermediate School district. If your district doesn't offer any, find one that does.
Be Patient with Yourself
It takes time to adjust to the reality of having a child with special needs. Don't expect to have all the answers up front. In time, you will be better able to handle the challenges that come your way and become skilled at making positive things happen for your child.
A good rule of thumb? Concentrate on what your child needs to be successful today. The future of your child, as well as your own, will burn brighter as a result.
Judy Winter is a mother and award-winning freelance writer.