Parents of Special Needs Children Need to Advocate for Their Child's Rights

Children with special needs face unique and difficult challenges on a daily basis. Your child's rights are protected under federal and state laws. I recommend you get copies of all the federal, state and local laws that apply to special needs children. All children, but especially children with special needs, need advocacy. Remember, under the laws our children are afforded the right to a free and appropriate public education. Appropriate meaning you can not always put a child with a disability in a main stream classroom. With the state of the economy the school system is cutting back and getting services for your child keeps getting harder and harder. Special needs kids need an education plan tailored to them.

As parents, you must advocate for your child's rights in the public school system. There are several online sources the National Center for learning Disabilities website, it explains your child's rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.gov) is a good source. On both websites you can learn more about the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA). You probably have more rights than you realize. The more information you have the more services you will b able to advocate for.

Adding further wood to the fire, special education law is extremely complicated and confusing. A lot of parents get discouraged by all the information out there but there are offices that can help you. Most counties have a disabilities services office. You should be able to find more information about your child's rights, workshops that you can go too. In some instants they can assign you a case worker to help you advocate for your child. You will hit a lot of roadblocks before you reach the right people to talk to. Keep asking questions and you will persevere.

It has been my own experience in advocating for my child that knowledge is power. If you don't know the laws and what your child is entitled to, how are you going to convince the public school system to pay for extra services? It is cheaper for them to tell you no, they have thousands of kids to worry about. Don't take no for an answer, make the school district show you why they can not provide a service. In the same aspect, you need to be able to show why your child needs a specific service. The only person that will be concerned about your child is you. The squeaky wheel gets the oil!

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How to Choose Your Child's Therapist

After learning that a child has special needs, the next big step for parents is finding a therapy team that can help their child meet their goals. It sounds easy, but it can be more challenging than most parents think. Here are ten things to keep in mind:

1. Review family goals: The first thing a family needs to do is review their own approach to their child and what their ultimate goal will be. If the family wants the child to have a nice therapy experience, the therapist they choose will be different than one who wants strong results. Families want to find a therapist who will meet their ultimate goals and work well within their long-term plan.

2. Develop realistic goals: Going into a therapy experience expecting miracles will only set a family up for disappointment. Be realistic in what therapy goals you have when shopping for a therapist. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed every time.

3. Be honest: Before hiring a therapist you'll want to interview them. You want them to be honest with you so you need to be honest with them. If you are not dedicated to working with your child at home or can not commit to a set weekly schedule, say so. A therapist will appreciate your honesty up front and a good therapist will tailor your treatment plan to work within your limitations.

4. Talk to them: Take some time to really chat with the therapist before committing to an ongoing relationship. It's kind of like dating. If this relationship works for you and your child you are going to be spending a lot of time together. Do they listen to you? Do they hear what you are saying? Will they brainstorm solutions with you or do they just tell you what to do?

5. Ask questions: If you have questions or concerns; ask. Therapists appreciate a family who is invested in their child's future. Those who hire a therapist willy-nilly can come across as a family who just want someone to fix the problem or does not take the process seriously.

6. Do some research: There are a lot of options in the world of therapy. Doing a little research about your therapist can really pay off in the end. Do they have a website? Do they have published articles or blogs? Many times, these documents will tell what is really important to a therapist more than their spoken words. What are their credentials? Someone with a doctorate is not necessarily the best therapist and someone with only a bachelor's degree can be amazing. Make sure they have the correct credentials to practice in your state. If they require supervision, check on their supervising therapist as well as many times they will be the one to dictate what happens in the sessions. Are they willing to provide references? If they give references take some time to call them. Other families are good measures of a therapist. Parents whose children have similar diagnoses can paint a nice picture of what your therapy sessions may look like with a given therapist.

7. Ask to observe: Some therapists do not allow others to observe their sessions because of confidentiality, but others are more open to allowing parents to see what is going on. Some parents are also happy to share their therapy experiences with others because they want to help others find the "gem" they have in their therapist. Even if the answer is no, it can ease your mind to know that you can either get a glimpse of therapy or that the therapist has standards which they are willing to uphold

8. Learn about their team: Most therapists have a group of professionals that are their "go to" team when they have questions, concerns, problems, or need input in areas where they are uncertain. Knowing about their team helps to not only know that they are open to other ideas, but that they are not the Lone Ranger when it comes to treating your child. It can also come in handy if you need additional services. Finding one great therapist can often lead to more wonderful people in the life of your child.

9. Ask about the toys: Some therapists are minimalists, others are techno-savvy, and still others are willing to use just about anything in a session to get the job done. Think about what kind of therapist will compliment your child's skills and needs. None of these approaches are the right answer, but one of them is right for each child. There are different types of therapists for different types of kids for a reason. Everyone has the perfect therapist out there for them.

10. Price: Most families would put this first, but like most things, you get what you pay for. Many traditional therapists (occupational, physical, and speech therapies) will accept insurance and other third party payment programs. Less traditional therapies (music, ABA, floortime, art) are not always covered by insurance but can make a huge impact in the progress of children with special needs. Look at your budget and talk to your therapist. Many will work with you to help your child get what they need without breaking the bank.

While there is no exact way to find the perfect therapist for a child with special needs, a little leg work can make a big difference. Even if you make a poor choice, you can always find someone else. The right therapist-client relationship is important in meeting your child's goals. If it is not working for you and your child, don't wait. Find what you've been missing!

©R.Wellman 2011

Rebecca Wellman, PhD, MT-BC/DT is a board certified music therapist and developmental specialist. She ha s a private practice in the Chicago suburbs where she works with children with special needs and older adults with memory loss. Dr. Wellman is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. She can be contacted through http://www.wellmantherapy.com/.

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5 Simple Diet Changes That Can Stop Your Child's Bad Behavior

We all know that there are foods out there that are better for us than others. Most of the time, people only cut back on sugary foods that contain large quantities of carbohydrates when they are trying to lose weight. What about your brain? Foods full of sugar and carbohydrates can damage brain cells and deplete the functioning of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are essential in human behavior and mood. The depletion in neurotransmitters can be a cause of your child's bad behavior and could make the difference on whether your child is going to have a "good day" or a "bad day".

The number one place for great mental function should start is the food you eat. Overly processed food full of refined sugars and carbohydrates can prohibit focusing and concentration. Neurotransmitters are responsible for communication in the brain. If you are eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, vital cells are being damaged and killed off. Your memory, your focus and your concentration are all going to suffer.

In this article, I am going to talk about five super foods that that not only are good for you, but also have the power to optimize your brain. The foods covered provide your brain with the nutrients that it needs to perform properly. By replacing the sugary foods that you eat with these substances, you are feeding the brain cells that you have and are keeping them healthy with the proper nutrients. Healthy cells equal a clear thinking mind, ability to focus and concentrate better than you ever have before.

Hemp Seeds & Oil:

Hemp seeds and hemp oil are a super food produced by nature. The benefits are so great that during times of famine, whole populations have survived on them. They provide a superb balance of omega 3 and omega 6 oils that are essential for healthy brain cells. Hemp seeds and oil are full of protein since they provide a full amino acid spectrum. Not only is it good for the brain, but it is also excellent for the skin. It works on the cellular level, meaning that it is highly absorbed by the skin enabling it to work quickly. You can buy these products at any health food store or online and you can enjoy them in smoothies, or add the seeds to soups, salads, dips, or sauces. You can also use the oil in the same way. They are very similar to sunflower seeds and are actually cheaper.

Bananas:

The natural sugar in bananas replaces the refined sugar found in snacks that pack on pounds and tear our cells apart. Bananas also contain the vital mineral potassium, which leads to proper cell and neurotransmitter health. Potassium gives the brain oxygen, which aids in clear thinking and controls allergic reactions in the body. Studies have shown that potassium can even help promote a decrease in stress and confusion.

Apples:

Apples contain nutrients and minerals which are vital to proper health and brain function. Apples contain water as well, which keep the body and cells hydrated. This fruit, which has been recommended in the medical field for years, can cure a sweet tooth with natural sugar rather than unrefined processed sugar.

Free Range, Grain Fed Eggs:

Free range eggs come from chickens which are not contained. They are able to roam and feed on the grains in the pasture rather than eating processed chicken feed. The chemicals and hormones found in chicken feed can also be contained in the egg which is produced. Free range eggs are higher in omega 3s, proteins, vitamins and contain less cholesterol. In the morning, it is vital that you eat a healthy breakfast containing proteins and omega 3 oils to get your brain boosted. Studies have shown numerous times that eating a breakfast rich in protein can help you focus and think clearer throughout the day. Children who eat a well-balanced breakfast also do better in school than those who do not. Free range eggs are a much better alternative to high carbohydrate packed breakfast items such as sugary cereals and bagels.

Coconut Oil:

Another great source of omega 3 oils is coconut oil. Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut. As we have learned, omega 3s are vital for optimal brain and cell functioning, but it doesn't stop there with coconut oil. Using coconut oil in and on foods has shown to help relieve stress, increase immune system functioning, aid in digestion, maintain cholesterol levels, help with kidney problems, heart disease, and high blood pressure and has even been linked to helping fight HIV. It is full of antioxidants and is also used as an antifungal. The list of healthy benefits when using coconut oil is long. One of the most important factors about coconut oil however, aside from the omega 3s, is its ability to help clean the body of toxins, viruses and bacteria. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is converted into monolauren in the body. Monolauren has been proven to help cure disease in the human body.

Making these five simple diet changes may not stop your child's behavior all together, but it will help improve brain function and allow other behavior strategies to work more effectively. Healthy brain function is the key factor in our overall mental health and behaviors. Next time your brain starts feeling a little foggy, you memory is not what it used to be, there are behavioral problems, concentration issues or issues relating to focus, start yourself on a super food boot camp. You will see a dramatic improvement within a matter of days and improve you overall health at the same time. To obtain more information and get a free report, be sure and visit our website.

For a FREE report on How to Stop Your Child's Bad Behavior visit our website:
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How to Choose Your Child's Therapist

After learning that a child has special needs, the next big step for parents is finding a therapy team that can help their child meet their goals. It sounds easy, but it can be more challenging than most parents think. Here are ten things to keep in mind:

1. Review family goals: The first thing a family needs to do is review their own approach to their child and what their ultimate goal will be. If the family wants the child to have a nice therapy experience, the therapist they choose will be different than one who wants strong results. Families want to find a therapist who will meet their ultimate goals and work well within their long-term plan.

2. Develop realistic goals: Going into a therapy experience expecting miracles will only set a family up for disappointment. Be realistic in what therapy goals you have when shopping for a therapist. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed every time.

3. Be honest: Before hiring a therapist you'll want to interview them. You want them to be honest with you so you need to be honest with them. If you are not dedicated to working with your child at home or can not commit to a set weekly schedule, say so. A therapist will appreciate your honesty up front and a good therapist will tailor your treatment plan to work within your limitations.

4. Talk to them: Take some time to really chat with the therapist before committing to an ongoing relationship. It's kind of like dating. If this relationship works for you and your child you are going to be spending a lot of time together. Do they listen to you? Do they hear what you are saying? Will they brainstorm solutions with you or do they just tell you what to do?

5. Ask questions: If you have questions or concerns; ask. Therapists appreciate a family who is invested in their child's future. Those who hire a therapist willy-nilly can come across as a family who just want someone to fix the problem or does not take the process seriously.

6. Do some research: There are a lot of options in the world of therapy. Doing a little research about your therapist can really pay off in the end. Do they have a website? Do they have published articles or blogs? Many times, these documents will tell what is really important to a therapist more than their spoken words. What are their credentials? Someone with a doctorate is not necessarily the best therapist and someone with only a bachelor's degree can be amazing. Make sure they have the correct credentials to practice in your state. If they require supervision, check on their supervising therapist as well as many times they will be the one to dictate what happens in the sessions. Are they willing to provide references? If they give references take some time to call them. Other families are good measures of a therapist. Parents whose children have similar diagnoses can paint a nice picture of what your therapy sessions may look like with a given therapist.

7. Ask to observe: Some therapists do not allow others to observe their sessions because of confidentiality, but others are more open to allowing parents to see what is going on. Some parents are also happy to share their therapy experiences with others because they want to help others find the "gem" they have in their therapist. Even if the answer is no, it can ease your mind to know that you can either get a glimpse of therapy or that the therapist has standards which they are willing to uphold

8. Learn about their team: Most therapists have a group of professionals that are their "go to" team when they have questions, concerns, problems, or need input in areas where they are uncertain. Knowing about their team helps to not only know that they are open to other ideas, but that they are not the Lone Ranger when it comes to treating your child. It can also come in handy if you need additional services. Finding one great therapist can often lead to more wonderful people in the life of your child.

9. Ask about the toys: Some therapists are minimalists, others are techno-savvy, and still others are willing to use just about anything in a session to get the job done. Think about what kind of therapist will compliment your child's skills and needs. None of these approaches are the right answer, but one of them is right for each child. There are different types of therapists for different types of kids for a reason. Everyone has the perfect therapist out there for them.

10. Price: Most families would put this first, but like most things, you get what you pay for. Many traditional therapists (occupational, physical, and speech therapies) will accept insurance and other third party payment programs. Less traditional therapies (music, ABA, floortime, art) are not always covered by insurance but can make a huge impact in the progress of children with special needs. Look at your budget and talk to your therapist. Many will work with you to help your child get what they need without breaking the bank.

While there is no exact way to find the perfect therapist for a child with special needs, a little leg work can make a big difference. Even if you make a poor choice, you can always find someone else. The right therapist-client relationship is important in meeting your child's goals. If it is not working for you and your child, don't wait. Find what you've been missing!

©R.Wellman 2011

Rebecca Wellman, PhD, MT-BC/DT is a board certified music therapist and developmental specialist. She ha s a private practice in the Chicago suburbs where she works with children with special needs and older adults with memory loss. Dr. Wellman is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. She can be contacted through http://www.wellmantherapy.com/.

View the original article here