The "DON'Ts" of a Special Needs Child...

Okay, the kiddies are keeping themselves entertained with Spongebob, so I have a few moments to jot down a bit more.

One thing I learned from one of the teacher's aides at my son's school is to DOCUMENT everything. All I can say to any parent, whether they have a special needs child OR not, is, DOCUMENT everything. I carry around with me a little date planner and jot down notes every day of in re: to my son's day at his school. Be it that he's had a good day, or an "okay" day, or any comments, brief conversation in passing that I may have had with his teacher or someone I've spoken to in the school district, or talking to someone about resources. When it comes to IEP's (Individualized Educational Plan - for those who don't know what an IEP is), it can be a life saver when putting your notes together before your child's IEP meeting.

Another helpful tip I learned was, DON'T SETTLE w/ what anyone tells you. Don't let the school districts bully you, or make you feel like you can't ask for some assistance. It is OUR rights as parents AND taxpayers to receive services that we and our children are entitled to!

BE proactive! DO what you can now. Like I mentioned in a previous blog...don't look back regretting what you COULD have done, when you were darned well able to do it now! I waited a year doing the *minimal* and I DO regret that I didn't do more.

DON'T be in denial. I was a bit in denial, I can admit that, because NO parent wants to hear that there is something wrong w/ their child. Again, I mentioned before, I was sad, depressed, angry. Don't fault me for my honesty because this is hard for a parent to experience and/or go through. If you have an inkling that your child may be challenged in some areas, START the process of getting him assessed as EARLY as you can. Lately, there's been so much coverage on the Autism topic such as on "The View". A parent on there said, START on intervention as EARLY as possible. It's TRUE!! What we do as of this moment, will affect our child's future as well as the welfare of the whole family. While not ALL children can be *cured* (and I take that word LIGHTLY), early interventions will benefit them in the future.

DON'T be afraid to ask questions. Don't be shy about wanting to know what your resources are.

This is all new for me too, but bit by bit, I'm learning and these are processes that I've gone through.

Ok, I've ranted long enough.

Until another day (or sooner)...