Daniel A. Schwarz, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
When we, as parents observe our children's
social and cognitive development and see that it is progressing well then we
are proud of their progress and accomplishments. However, when we sense
that there is something not going "according to plan" it can make us
feel anxious and afraid. It may be tempting at first to wait and give it time
to see if our child "grows out of it" and begins to accomplish the
tasks needed for academic and social success. But as time goes by, it is
incumbent upon us as parents to accept the possibility that our child may have
a delay or special need. It is not easy to accept this possibility. It can be tempting to blame ourselves and so
it is important to be fair about this as we work towards an inner acceptance of
the truth.
At the same time, it is critical to begin to turn to others for support and guidance to develop a strategy to understand our child's condition and what we can do to help our child to make the important progress that we hope for. This means that we contact professionals in our community such as teachers, pediatricians, child specialists, psychologists and other mental health professionals to discuss our concerns and to request whatever evaluation or testing may be indicated.
As parents, we need to advocate for our children and do our own research into what may be going on. We need to go online and find magazines and books to educate ourselves about what our child's condition means to our child and to those around him or her. The amount of available information can be overwhelming and it is important to be fair and realistic with ourselves as parents as we try to understand the challenges that face our child. Once we receive a diagnosis for our child's' condition, we can then work towards becoming “experts” on the current scientific research in the field. Armed with the necessary information regarding our child's needs, including test results, recommendations and proven strategies for success, we can then approach our child's teachers, counselors, educational support staff, coaches and others. We can also be a part of the team of educators and specialists that make decisions regarding treatment approaches, including therapies, tutoring, in-school accommodations, potential need for an Individualized Educational Plan( for students who qualify for special education services)or a 504 plan (for students who have a medical condition that requires accommodation). It is important to communicate and advocate with school personnel and other adults in a respectful but assertive manner. We should expect bumps and challenges along the road to getting the needed help for our children. If the challenges become overwhelming the option of pursuing meeting with a mental health professional or finding a support group can help.
As advocates for our children, we are also providing a crucial role model for them. Talking with our children about their own special needs and helping them to accept their own needs in an ongoing way is also important. As our children observe our efforts as parents to advocate for them respectfully, it helps our children begin to advocate for themselves (see my prior blog on children learning to self-advocate) Over time, our children will come to learn the importance of communicating with adults respectfully about their needs and to accept their own needs and learn strategies for success.
At the same time, it is critical to begin to turn to others for support and guidance to develop a strategy to understand our child's condition and what we can do to help our child to make the important progress that we hope for. This means that we contact professionals in our community such as teachers, pediatricians, child specialists, psychologists and other mental health professionals to discuss our concerns and to request whatever evaluation or testing may be indicated.
As parents, we need to advocate for our children and do our own research into what may be going on. We need to go online and find magazines and books to educate ourselves about what our child's condition means to our child and to those around him or her. The amount of available information can be overwhelming and it is important to be fair and realistic with ourselves as parents as we try to understand the challenges that face our child. Once we receive a diagnosis for our child's' condition, we can then work towards becoming “experts” on the current scientific research in the field. Armed with the necessary information regarding our child's needs, including test results, recommendations and proven strategies for success, we can then approach our child's teachers, counselors, educational support staff, coaches and others. We can also be a part of the team of educators and specialists that make decisions regarding treatment approaches, including therapies, tutoring, in-school accommodations, potential need for an Individualized Educational Plan( for students who qualify for special education services)or a 504 plan (for students who have a medical condition that requires accommodation). It is important to communicate and advocate with school personnel and other adults in a respectful but assertive manner. We should expect bumps and challenges along the road to getting the needed help for our children. If the challenges become overwhelming the option of pursuing meeting with a mental health professional or finding a support group can help.
As advocates for our children, we are also providing a crucial role model for them. Talking with our children about their own special needs and helping them to accept their own needs in an ongoing way is also important. As our children observe our efforts as parents to advocate for them respectfully, it helps our children begin to advocate for themselves (see my prior blog on children learning to self-advocate) Over time, our children will come to learn the importance of communicating with adults respectfully about their needs and to accept their own needs and learn strategies for success.
One of my favorite resources for parents
and children with Special needs is ADDitude Magazine: Strategies and Support
for ADHD and LD. The website is WWW.ADDITUDEMAG.COM.
For more information go to wwwdrdanpsychologist.com.
