Helping Your Child with Special Needs

Your child’s needs extend throughout the whole family and it can be, at times very stressful for the entire family when a child is struggling. However, it doesn’t have to be, especially when you have the right support and experts to go to. Our therapists at Pediatric Therapies understand the importance of considering the entire family dynamic when treating any child. We know that a child with special needs can present unique joys, as well as challenges. Therefore, parents need to have tools and knowledge to help their child reach his or her extraordinary possibilities.

Empowering You

The whole family needs to learn how to help their child succeed by giving them real techniques and solutions to everyday challenges. Each child and family’s needs are unique to them and therefore need unique solutions. Ideas and strategies that truly work within that family dynamic are critical to the progress of each child. Make sure you take time to seek out advice from professionals and learn all you can about techniques and strategies to help your child with special needs. A little learning can give you the right tools to make life a lot less complicated and much more fun.

Simple solutions to everyday issues:

• Focus on the positive. What strides has your child made?
• Break activities down into smaller cycles of action so that your child can have many small successes along the way to achieving a goal. Once your child masters a problem, give him recognition for it.
• A pat on the back, a silent nod, a hug, or saying “Well done!” is all that is needed to let your child know that you notice and appreciate the progress he has made.
• Modify the environment, using positive behavior and reward strategies. Sometimes adaptive equipment can help your child do ordinary daily tasks more easily so they can be in control of their surroundings.
• Don’t forget to take time for yourself. Exercise, enjoy your hobbies, make sure to communicate with friends and family, and have a good support system.

Understand that there are many professional groups setup to help you and support you and your family. Never be afraid to seek out advice and assistance. Our experts in Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy have decades of experience in helping children of all ages and their families reach beyond their goals to have a fulfilling life. Call us today to learn more about our pediatric programs that can help your child reach their full potential!