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 ARE WE DIFFERENT.COM

  1. Get out of denial - When you are in denial your child is denied treatment and suffers.
  2. It's not your fault.  If 1 in 150 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum disorders it cannot be your fault.
  3. Have your child evaluated early.  In New York City children are diagnosed as early as 7 months old and can begin early intevention at that age.  Remember: the earliest you start getting help the better chance you child has for having a productive life.
  4. Find a trusted therapist that will help you to understand all the TERMINOLIGIES .
  5. Many of the terms used in this field are sometimes difficult to understand - make sure you know what their meanings are and how those meaning affect your child. Do not be afraid to say you don't understand.
  6. Having a special needs child is like having two children because you always have to consider the delay in every decision you make pertaining to the child. For exmple, my son and I went to a family birthday party.  I called the host and asked them details about the venue so that I could determine if it was safe for my child to be there and I didn't have to hold his hand.
  7. Pay attenton to your child.  Observe him/her.  Watch wha they do and how they respond to family, strangers, peers, older children, animals and objects.
  8. If your child likes something alot use it to his advantage.  For example, my son like spongebob squarepants, so I purchase toys, puzzles and other learning tools with spongebob that will help him.  The spongbob keeps his attention and he is learning.
  9. Be patient. We all want our children to excel fast.  We all learn at different rates.  If your child doesn't grasp something right away be patient - it will come.  You may have to try a different (PROGRAMS) approach that is works well with your child to bring the best out of your child.

  10. Learn how your child communicates. For example when my son wants something and he cannot get it himself, he will come and get me and take me to it. If it is a bottle or jar he will try to open it, if he cannot he will bring it to me.
  11. Make sure you read everything that therapists, doctors and educators write about your child.  If you do not understand, make sure they help you to understand. Always remember tip #4.
  12. Do your own research - learn the jargin and definitions.  Be the expert on your child and his diagnosis.
  13. Know the rules and your rights (administrators thrive on you NOT knowing the rules) of your school and the governing entity. Do not be afraid to speak up.  For example, you are suppose to see everything written about your child.  If you do not agree ask for an explanation, you can have it removed or modified. 
  14. Make sure you put all your requests in writing.


Sunday, October 21, 2007
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