4 Tips To Help Your 'Child With Special Needs'

See past the challenges to enjoy the possibilities

- Bea Moise

We all want to be accepted. Parents, in particular, want their children to be acknowledged, feel wanted and loved by the people that they encounter. From peers to adults, acceptance is an important aspect of human connection. But what happens when it is you, the parent, who is having a hard time with acceptance?

For parents who learn for the first time that their child has special needs, their personal response is usually filled with uncertainty and emotions. When I was told that my son had autism, my response was, OK, let me start with interventions. My husband’s response, however, was, “let’s get another opinion and wait until he is 6 years old before ‘labeling’ him.” He was filled with questions and concerns, and it took him a longer to accept the diagnosis.

The sooner you accept the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin to enjoy the possibilities and potential of your child. While he or she may never meet your previous expectations, you will soon discover there are other perspectives. To fully accept the diagnosis, you have been given here are some things you can do.