finding a place where a child with special needs belongs

I'm frustrated lately with the difficulty in finding places for my CWSN fits in! I have found a wonderful charter school that is a good fit, but I still struggle helping him fit in at church. Any thoughts?

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

I've had a Mom request information on Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Anyone out there have any information that could help?

reminder

Please take a moment to take the post-survey! It should only take a few moments, and will help me finalize my data for my project. Again everything is completely confidential! Thanks!

In addition to meeting all the needs of a child or children with special needs, there are often siblings who have needs to be met as well. Meyer (1993) states,

agencies are now beginning to understand that brothers and sisters of children with special needs have concerns that in many ways parallel their parents' experience. But compared with their parents, these brothers and sisters enjoy far fewer programs, services and considerations--even though the sibling relationship is frequently the longest lasting relationship in the family.

Meyer (1993) points out many special needs that siblings of children with special needs have. Among them are feelings of loss and isolation, a need for information about the disability, increased care giving responsibilities, worrying that they have the disability, and pressure to achieve. Siblings of children with special needs also often struggle with feelings of guilt, resentment, and worry about their siblings future as well as their own (Meyer, 1993).

The best start parents can have is being aware of these unique needs and concerns of the siblings of children with special needs.

Meyer, D. (1993). Siblings of children with special health and developmental needs programs, services and considerations . Retrieved from http://www.archrespite.org/archfs23.htm

note:

Some titles on the survey say "pre-survey" but don't worry, the link will only take you to the correct "post-survey." Once I launch it, it's difficult to edit, sorry about the typo!

Post-survey

Next week will be the last official post for my project. Please take the time over the next couple of weeks to respond to the post-survey by clicking to the link on the right. This will help me finish up and submit my final project. Thank you all for your participation and support! I will be keeping the blogs open and will check back to them even after my project is done, if you ever want to discuss any of these topics! Thank you!

The Raising Children Network (2010) has some great suggestions for talking to professionals about your child with special needs. Some of the suggestions are to speak honestly and be specific, and to try to be positive as much as possible (Raising Children Network, 2010). It’s also important to be a good listener, and have an open mind. It’s okay to bring someone along for support as well (Raising Children Network, 2010). It’s a good idea to be aware of how the professional communicates with and around your child as well. The professional should acknowledge that your child is present, and talk directly to your child if appropriate (Raising Children Network, 2010). The professional should be able to put your child at ease, and watch for signs that your child is uncomfortable (Raising Children Network, 2010).

Raising Children Network. (2010). Disability professionals: what to expect. Retrieved from http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/disabilities_professionals_what_to_expect.html