According to the National Organization on Disability, nearly one in nine American children receive special education services. The most common special needs are speech and language delays (ASD), cognitive delays (SLD), and learning disabilities. You, as a parent, will look for the best schools and treatments for your child. Your work will not only be about the physical, but also psychological. How can you make sure your child feels supported, motivated and cared for as they navigate school and social life?
Identifying risks such as bullying
It is vital to be aware of the potential challenges that your child might face when starting school. According to Stop Bullying, children with disabilities are more likely to be bullied than others. Factors like social skills and vulnerability may also increase the risk. According to the same organization, some children with disabilities can bully other children. Protecting special-needs children from bullying can be a difficult but achievable task. You need to identify signs that your child may be a victim. These include personality changes, sleeping problems, and a desire to stay at home. These symptoms should be spotted immediately. It is important to seek help from school authorities if you notice them.
Forming Supportive bonds
Ask the school about a buddy system for children with special needs if your child starts school soon. Your child will feel more at ease and comfortable if there is a responsible, caring child around. It is also beneficial to build relationships with other parents at school. This will allow you to organize social events and playdates for your child with your peers, while still having your support system close by.
Collaboration with Teachers
Standard discipline may not work for some children, especially those who have ADHD, ASD or other conditions that make it difficult to focus, plan, and regulate emotions. For example, a child with difficulty communicating may kick his chair repeatedly, as he doesn’t know how to tell someone that he is tired. Teachers might not have the information they need to understand how emotions such as frustration or tiredness can be expressed. This is why it is important for parents and teachers to work closely together. When children lose focus or become agitated, parents know the best strategies. Children with ADHD may relax by moving or fidgeting; making them stop will only increase their anxiety and agitation.
When you are trying to find the right school for your child, it is important to do some research on socialization and make sure that they understand what each option means. You and your child will feel empowered at every stage of school and social activities by finding a school that has a support buddy system, creating strong bonds with other parents and creating a strategy to deal with bullying.
