Parenting children with special needs can quickly feel like raising a child by committee: there are a myriad of opinions and experts telling parents what they should and shouldn’t do. This tumultuous flow of information may convince parents that they are not able to adequately care for their child and that they must defer to the experienced providers.
Nothing could be further from the truth! When it comes to parenting children with special needs, you are the expert on your child (or children)!
Parents (or permanent caregivers) spend an extensive amount of time learning about their child and how to support a child’s special needs. Over time, most almost unconsciously decide if something will benefit their child – or not. We know how our children should be treated and what they should be exposed to.
Leigh learned early in the special education process that suggestions were not necessarily the right path. If the treatment or therapy didn’t “feel” right for her child, she refused or requested more time to think about the suggestion. It is important that parents are empowered by knowledge that they have control over their child’s environment and treatment, regardless if a disability is involved.
As an advocate, Leigh has dealt with many suggestions when it comes to parenting children with special needs. There are many different types of disabilities, families, and life situations. There is no, “one size fits all” solution. To suggest
that option is nonsense. Leigh encourages parents to listen to experts to help educate themselves about something they may have not known about their child. But, listening to these experts is not the only way to understand what your child might need in order to thrive.
Kids are kids. They want to be loved. They need different input at different times based on changing needs and wants. Disability doesn’t not inherently change a person’s role in the world or society. It may change how that role is carried out but it does not change the significance of that person’s place in a community nor does it change a person’s want to be treated as a valued member of society. When it comes to parenting children with special needs, do what you know is right. Don’t be afraid to say, “No.” to the committee.
Talk to an advocate. Learn your rights.
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help