Establishing Positive Relationships With Professional Services For Your Special Needs Child

This article discusses the role that professionals and other support services play in the lives of special needs children and their families. The reason I chose this topic to discuss is because

whether you like dealing with professionals or not, you need outside help so that your child gets the expertise he or she needs to develop at all levelsrelationships can be tense or distant with some professionals or support services but it really is in your child's best interests to avail of any treatments and interventions recommended

Firstly do not be intimidated by professionals or support personnel due to their qualifications or manner. Also do not think you are being troublesome by asking what you think are too many questions.

Some parents will take a different approach and want professional to make most of the decisions about their child. This is fine too. Others however want a shared role in the decision-making process.

It is up to you as a parent of a special needs child to decide what approach you would like to take. Of course you are free to change course along the way too to whatever works best.

If you have to go for a meeting, write down or mentally go through what exactly needs to be asked or said during that meeting. Be very clear what is most important to you and what is negotiable.

Ask for clarification if you are unsure of anything and listen well. Do not be afraid to mention any new research, ideas, concepts etc and ask for feedback on any items you raise.

Learn new terminology and do not be afraid to ask questions and ask the meaning of terminology of phrases that may be used by professionals in relation to your child.

Write down questions before your meeting and more as the meeting progresses if you do not want to ask straight away. Stay focused and do not allow yourself to become distracted.

Help others at the meeting also stay focused by referring to your child specifically by their name. Do not give up too early If you are dissatisfied. See what can be improved upon and prepare for the next meeting. It is important to stay calm and positive at all times.

Ask for and get written copies of documents from professional services. Save them in one place and keep them safe for ongoing review. Alternatively if you are not organised, get a box and put everything in for safe keeping.

Try to recognise that each of the teachers, doctors, professional services or support staff are just one part of the solution for your child. The support, encouragement and unconditional love you put into your child will reap the most reward.

If you would like to know more about being the best parent you can be for your special needs child, download my free guide "Care for the Carer-A Short Guide To Parenting Special Needs Children" at http://www.parenting4specialneeds.com/

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