Start Here - ADD, ADHD, ODD, OCD, bipolar, autism, spinal bifida, psychosocial, sensory integration, IGE mediated response, physical disability, emotional disability, developmental disability...What does it all mean?

Start here to begin making sense out of it all. You know in your heart that something with your child is just not right. What are you going to do now?

Start with your pediatrician. They know you, your child and what is normal and what you need to investigate further. Your pediatrician should be able to refer you to specialists, if needed.

Your pediatrician can help determine what you are dealing with specifically, or at the very least, help figure out what general category is in question: physical disability, emotional disability, or developmental disability.

You do not have to blindly accept everything you are told - especially if it just doesn't seem right to you. It took us nearly 13 years to finally get the right diagnosis and consequently the right treatment plan for our daughter.

If you are just not sure your primary care physician is understanding or is just not "getting it", take your child to another doctor, or a specialist for another opinion. Call your local community mental health services and ask for an assessment or evaluation - these are normally done during the intake process but procedures differ between communities.

Some communities have early intervention programs that will help to evaluate if your child is developing normally. Check with your local Community Mental Health Services, local hospitals, or even your local school district.

Insurance Considerations

Be sure to call your insurance company to find out about your coverage for your child's special needs. It is an unfortunate fact, but the health insurance will determine services, and diagnosis determines what the insurance company will pay for.

No health insurance? Most states have some kind of program that will cover children for little or no expense. Medicaid? For developmental and emotional disabilities call your local community mental health facility. You can also check with local colleges and universities (depending on your location) as many will have clinics for training that are low cost, ability to pay, or Medicaid acceptable.

Learn as much as you can about your child's disability and the system where you live and receive services. Knowledge is power, and in this case, the more you know, the better you are able to advocate and help your child. You can never learn too much! We sign up for every class, seminar, and webinar that we can find. 

Start here, with the topics below, to help you get an overall understanding of what is available, the system you are dealing with, and how you can start dealing with this life-altering situation and get on with building a life for you, your special needs child, and your whole family. 

Acronynms 

Define Special Needs 

People First Language 

Ten Commandments for Parents of Children with Disabilities 

Coping With Stress 

Changes in Life Stress Assessment 

Stress Resistance 

Stress Supplements 

Stages of Grief 

Telling Your Story 

Example Child Information Sheets