Children with special needs deserve tough, resourceful parents who see their diagnosis as just a small part of who they are and can become. While we are becoming the parents they deserve, there are strategies we can use to seem more like those ideal parents.
Surprisingly, many of these strategies are available in books written for families of mainstream children. Visiting your local public library or bookstore or their websites will give you a good feeling for what is out there, and may also reassure you that some of the behaviors you find most disturbing are actually age appropriate and common. Our children have the right to assert themselves and to have independent spirits so they can develop their own talents and abilities and follow the interests they find most important.
Enrolling your child in mainstream parks department programs, scouts or other activities can give you a better understanding of the diversity and range of children's behaviors, and is a good way to find other parents to laugh and cry with as the children grow up together.
Sudden or big changes in children's behavior or attitude can be a signal that something negative or dangerous is happening in their environment outside the home. A child might be suffering due to being bullied, becoming uncomfortable with transitions, or might have developed a personality conflict with an adult in charge. Establishing relationships with mainstream peers gives us a better chance of learning about these situations.
It may also be helpful if you can find a parent support group in your area, or online, whose children share a diagnosis or range of diagnoses. Sometimes a change in behavior can signal a change in health or stage of a condition that would otherwise be missed.
There are excellent books written specifically for families raising children with diverse diagnoses that not only describe ways to encourage and stimulate development, accommodate special needs, and search out helpful medical interventions but also suggest behavior management strategies.
Everyone Counts: Teaching Acceptance & Inclusion
Teaching students in grades K-1, 2-4, and 5-6, the values of diversity and the acceptance and inclusion of children with cognitive disabilities.
(800) 221-4602
Dr. Mac's Amazing Behavior Management Advice Site for Teachers - Thomas McIntyre
http://www.behavioradvisor.com
Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for books like The Behavior Survival Guide for Kids by Thomas McIntyre
, Social Relationships and Peer Supportor Promoting Social Success Accessible Playgrounds and Naturally Integrated Play Areas
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51542.asp
Using Behavior as Communication
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32521.asp
Parenting Challenges: Behavior and Inclusion
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32508.asp
Problem Behavior Family Stress
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32521.asp
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Benefits Classmates
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6157.asp
Parenting Challenges: Behavior and Inclusion
Is Diversity Like A New Box of Crayons? Inclusion of Children with Disabilities
Recess Skills for Children with Special Needs
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Benefits Classmates
TASH.org - Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Child From the Use of Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusion - PDF
Parent Magic - One Two Three Magic - Products
