How to define Special Needs

What does it mean to be a special kid?

First the disclaimer:

Live your life - not your diagnosis.

Trying to define special needs depends on what you are trying to do. All kids are special, in one way or another, so what is the definition of special needs?

Well, some kids have needs greater than most, and these are the children we usually refer as having special needs. A label is just a label, and although many parents are reluctant to put a label on their child, the label seems to be the magic word to get services or accommodations for your child.

The dictionary says: "Of or relating to people who have specific needs, as those associated with a disability: special-needs housing; a special needs teacher" which certainly clarifies things.

Or not.

Another source defines special needs as: "The Special or unique, out-of-the-ordinary concerns created by a person's medical, physical, mental, or developmental condition or disability. Additional services are usually needed to help a person in one or more of the following areas, among others, thinking, communication, movement, getting along with others, and taking care of self."

Crystal? Right.

There is the clinical diagnostic approach to the definition of special needs which attempts to use the child's diagnosis as the basis for defining special needs. This assigns your child a label based on a medical or psychological diagnosis, and poof! now they are special kids!

Again, there is the hesitation to label, as many parents see this as limiting and the outright admission that they or their child are not perfect. It can however, provide an explanation to what you and your child have been experiencing and it can also lead to a better treatment and services to help your child.

Another way to define special needs is by functional development, or using developmental milestones as a baseline measurement. The different areas that are measured are: body movement, thinking and learning, communication, the senses, relating to others socially, and self care.

The advantage of using a functional developmental approach to defining children with special needs is that it goes along with the idea that every child is a unique individual with specific strengths and weaknesses. No two children are alike, even children with specific known disorders.

How to define special needs? In reality, there is usually some sort of combination of all of the approaches to make the determination of special needs. It is a part of the journey to find the answers to help your child as best you can.

Don't be afraid of labeling your child, as the label, the diagnosis, is the ticket to getting your child the help they need. And it helps explain things - for yourself and for the rest of your family and friends. It is your proof to the world that you are raising a special kid.

Remember, the special needs diagnosis is how you get services. It does not and should not EVER define you, your child, or your family. Each and every child truly is special.

Find and encourage your child's strengths and interests. Find the positive in every situation. Love yourself, and love your child without reservation. You will be so surprised at what a difference this makes in your life.

Live your life - not your diagnosis

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