Is Your Child Developing In A Typical Way Or Do You Feel Something Is Wrong? Article

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Is your child developing in a typical way or do you feel something is wrong?

Do you feel your child is not developing in a neurotypical way? Do you sense there is something different with your child? Do you know you have a special needs child but do not know what to do? This article will give you a jumpstart on what you, as a parent, need to do to start helping your child.

Author: Dina Ghorayeb

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You, as a parent, know your child better than anyone else. Do you feel your child is not developing in a normal way? Do you feel your child is not acquiring some developmental milestones when she is supposed to? Do you feel deep inside that something is wrong? If you did answer yes to any of these questions, then it is probable that your feelings are not without merit and there is something wrong. What should you do when you feel that there is something wrong with how your child is developing?

• Seek a professional opinion. In general, the best place to start is your child’s pediatrician who might refer you to a developmental pediatrician for a more accurate diagnosis.

• Follow your pediatrician’s or developmental pediatrician’s advice to the letter. Do not omit anything.

• Be patient. In cases as if finding out there is something with your child, you might want answers right away. You might feel angry and frustrated. You might encounter a waiting period of several weeks or months before you get to schedule an appointment with a psychologist or a specific doctor.

• Your child might require certain therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, speech therapy… Here too, be patient, as you might have to wait several weeks or months to start a specific therapy for your child.

• Be aware that certain therapies are not covered by your medical insurance. Therefore, check with your specific insurance carrier to find out what is covered and what is not. Therapies, such as the ones motioned above, could be very costly. So plan accordingly. It is wise to seek the advice of a financial professional to determine how to provide for your child’s therapies, especially if your medical insurance does not cover all or most of the costs.

• Educate yourself about your child’s diagnosis. Spend time researching the diagnosis and learning how you, as a parent, could help your child.

• Prepare yourself emotionally. A developmental disorder could accompany your child throughout her life. Learn to deal with it and make the best of it. It is in your child’s best interest that you accept this reality. It is important to be positive and optimistic. It is imperative that you encourage your child to develop what is best in her. It is equally essential that you help her in every way possible to reach her optimal development.

• Get involved in groups with parents with a similar situation, with the same diagnosis for their child. You will find a lot of emotional and positive support. You will also feel that you are not alone and that other families are going through the same problems. You will get the strength, through your support groups, to face the everyday challenges of having a child with a developmental disability.

• Call your local state agencies dealing with cases like yours and ask for their help. Remember that your taxes are paying for these services. Ask for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for your child. Do not be afraid of the process and do ask for legal advice if you feel the state agency is not suggesting everything they could offer. Check the government’s website for more information regarding IEPs. (http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html)

Remember you are not alone. There are myriad of professionals who could help you. The most important thing is to accept your child’s diagnosis and act upon the recommendations of your child’s doctor. You will go through the different stages of anger and denial. It is actually healthy to go through them. However, you must go forward and keep up the good spirits because your child needs it. Be positive and constructive and things will start looking better.

About Author

Dina Ghorayeb Founder of A Baby’s Diary http://www.ababysdiary.com
Parenting Site - Charts, Tips & Resources

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com

Is your child developing in a typical way or do you feel something is wrong?