quick clicks

preschoolers today articles

preschoolers today q&a

children today articles

children today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Extra Special

Parenting a Child with Multiple Special Needs

By Gwen Morrison

The problem that arises with these types of services is that they are generally in high demand. Often children end up going without a service provider because both parents need to work, and the demand for after-hours services means being placed on a long waiting list.

"A parent must learn enough about the child's conditions to determine a scientifically sound treatment plan," says Susan Barton, an internationally-recognized expert in the fields of dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and founder of Bright Solutions an educational outreach firm. "This is not just about medication, but how to create the best environment at school and at home," she says.

"It is extremely challenging to be a parent of a child with more than one disability because your child doesn't easily fall into any one category," says Barton. "Children with ADHD, for example, often have more than one disability."

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) rarely travels alone. It is often accompanied by one or more co-morbid disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or Tourette's. This makes it challenging for parents who are left to wonder why their child is not thriving. It's fairly common for a physician to diagnose a child with ADHD and stop there, missing other special needs.

"Often it takes three to five years for someone to suggest the child might have another issue," says Barton. "Then they have to go through another round of professional testing and treating, renegotiate education programs and more."

Want to see more?

• Welcome to Holland
• When Motherhood Takes on New Meaning: Parenting a Child With a Disability
• Beyond Surprise and Shock: Learning Your Baby Has Special Needs
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.