Four Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Four Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Being A Parent of Special Needs Children:

1. Ask for help.  Wow, this is the hardest one to do, but one of the most important.  You don't realize what's out there until you do! Finding out you're not alone and having a support circle can be critical when you hit THOSE days when it seems like nothing is going right and NO ONE gets what it's like.
2. Consider counseling for siblings, spouses or parents.  Amazingly enough once you get dealing with the Special Needs issues under control don't forget that others are struggling with a lot of similar issues. Sometimes a sibling feels 'left out' because of all the attention your other child needs on a daily basis.  Work with a counselor so you both are comfortable with these issues.  Grandparents are tricky.  My mother in law is still lighting candles... for her this is how she 'DEALS'.  That's OK.  It's her comfort zone.  Let your parents deal with your child's disability in their own way as long as it isn't hurting your child.  Sometimes a spouse is the one who needs counseling, or couples counseling is the way to go.  Usually one parent ends up handling the issues of your special needs child.  Don't leave your spouse out of the 'loop.' 
3. Be an advocate for your child.  R. Brooke Porch, former principal at Indian Lane School and former Director of Special Education for Upper Darby Township gave me the best advice I ever received when my daughter was in pre-school and transitioning into the regular school system.  He said "Be the squeaky wheel."  Of course he gave me this advice before he was promoted to Director of Special Ed where he was the person I 'squeaked' to!  (Brooke if you're out there, my daughter is teaching preschool today--thank you.) So be your child's advocate.  Get out there and push for them.  And teach them to push for themselves if need be. 
4.  Most of all, believe in your child's abilities.  Sometimes when you have a special needs child you forget to concentrate on the 'can do's.'  When my children were first diagnosed I fell into the trap of 'can't do' thinking.  Over the years I grew into the 'can do' mind set.  The sooner you get there the better the outcome.  Give your child the opportunities to TRY. 

Law, Disability and Independence

Have you taken steps to plan for the present and/or future if you have a child/young adult with a disability?


The Everyday Lives Committee is having a meeting on November 16, 2011 at 12-2pm on planning for your child's present and/or future.  The meeting will be held at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Education Service Center, 200 Yale Avenue, Morton PA 19070 Room 163. 


The meeting will cover:

• Guardianship
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Special Needs Trusts

Dennis McAndrews Esq. of the McAndrews Law Offices P.C. of Berwyn PA will be presenting information that explains the differences of these legal steps and when it's beneficial to use each of them.  A question and answer session will be held following the presentation. 

Questions call:

Marsha Komara 610-713-2400 x2210

All Moms Deserve Time To Unwind

Are you a mom of a special needs child? Grown Thru Play is having a night out just for you! 

What is Grow Thru Play? Grow Thru Play is a pediatric therapy practice which focuses on play as a child’s main occupation. According to their web site they "provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, group classes, and educational seminars."  They also "offer comprehensive evaluation and use current research to guide individual and group treatment plans. Grow Thru Play, LLC is a place where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow."

One reason I'm focusing on Grow Thru Play is because they not only offer creative therapy that you can read about on their web site but they also are having "A Special Moms' Night Out."  While I'll focus on the importance of Early Intervention for children in a later post, the importance of a network for moms (or for dads) is of nearly equal importance.  There is a certain isolation many moms with 'special needs' children go through that a night like this addresses and makes a huge difference in a woman's ability to provide quality parenting.  Face it, being part of a group and having other women to talk to who are going through similar experiences is invaluable.  I wish I'd found this sooner since the event is on August 4th.  Hopefully some of you will be able to make it and it won't be the only event like this they have for parents.  Don't forget to RSVP!

”A Special Moms’ Night Out”
When: Thursday, August 4th from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Why: All Moms deserve time to unwind!!
How: Come drink, eat and engage in decorative card making
while meeting other Moms who have children with Special Needs
Cost: $10/person
RSVP: 215-545-0320 or tara@growthruplay.com

Visit Grow Thru Play, LLC at www.growthruplay.com.
Contact Us at (215)-545-0320
Our Location is:
1636 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146