Q.-A. ON CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Q. What does the term special needs mean?
A. This term applies to children whose development, communication and learning abilities or behaviour are such that they will need special provisions to realize their full potential. “Special needs” covers a wide range of conditions and is a more positive term that replaces the words “handicapped” and “disabled”.
Q. Who decides when a child has a Long-Term problem?
A. In the UK, this is usually the local Child Development Centre, which offers community paediatric care and a multidisciplinary approach to childhood problems. If your child has special educational needs, the education authority will also assess her and decide what support she requires.
Q. My child has special needs. Where can I get help?
A. Whether you need medical, practical or financial help, talk to your health visitor, doctor, hospital or community paediatrician. They can refer you to any agencies that may benefit your child, including the education authority, social services, child psychiatrist or physiotherapist, or even support groups. Teamwork will help support you as a family.
Q. Where can I meet other parents with similar children?
A. Voluntary organisations and support groups can put you in touch with other families in a similar situation. Many support groups have local branches and are run by parents whose children have the exact needs. Occasionally, a condition is so rare that there will be very few other children with it. In that case, ask your paediatrician who to approach, get in touch with, Contact a Family or look on the Internet.
The Rewards of Special Needs
Children with special needs can be enriching to care for and often go on, as adolescents and adults, to lead fulfilling lives.
Parent’s Survival
Learning that your child has a problem can be a great blow. It’s like a bereavement. As a parent, particularly in the early days, you may feel that you have lost the chance to have a healthy child and the anticipated “normal” parenting.
Stages of grief
You can expect to go through the recognized stages :
• shock on being told and inability to believe it.
• anger at health professionals, your partner or even yourself.
• bleakness or depression, which can be severe
• Finally, acceptance and the ability to live family life with the disability.
Get professional help
At any point, you or your family may need help. It can be hard to ask for and accept it, especially when there is resentment against doctors or parents of so-called “normal” children. Sometimes, parents of special needs children find it easier to talk to other parents going through a similar experience.