What Are Special Needs? Children's Disabilities and the Special Needs of Families

Parenting Children With Special Needs

Get the information and inspiration you need to be your child's best advocate from your About Guide to parenting children with special needs, Terri Mauro.

explanation of the term ... "Special Needs" is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family.

 

Minuses and Pluses

Different Concerns

Issues:  Medical, Behavioral, Developmental, Learning, Mental Health

Developmental Issues:

Developmental disabilities are some of the most devestating for a family to deal with, changing visions of the future and providing immediate difficulties in caring for and educating a child. Diagnoses like autism, Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities often cause children to be removed from the mainstream, and parents must be fierce advocates to make sure their children receive the services, therapy, schooling, and inclusion they need and deserve.

Common Concerns

Getting a Diagnosis

Researching a Disability

Alphabet Soup Unscrambled

Accepting Your Child's Special Needs

Learning to Cope
Inspiration
Related Articles

For these and more info. on Special Needs, refer to
What Are Special Needs? Children's Disabilities and the Special Needs of Families

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