Obtaining Services For Your Child with Special Needs

With the recent explosion of children diagnosed with autism, the number of families seeking services has become huge. There is no "road map" available, each family must develop their own goals. Just as each child is different, every family will have specific goals to reach success in obtaining the correct services for their child.

Now, Pediatricians have guidelines to use beginning at an early age. This was not the case when I began my research in the early 1990's. I learned how to get through this maze, and will offer you my "Top Ten List" to assist you to use as a guideline to begin.

1.) Networking-Attend meetings in your area, meet other Families who have

children with disabilities as they are a wealth of information!

2.) Research your State online, as each State offers different services.

3.) Make a list of services which you feel would benefit your child. Such as:

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Vision

Therapy, Social Skills & Peer Interaction, Special Education & Related

Services.

4.) Research & Read about your child's particular disability, educate yourself

about which services are the most important.

5.) Obtain current evaluations from respected professionals in your area, and

have the professional explain the results to you.

6.) Start a notebook, and keep all related information in one place. (I

have three five-inch loose-leaf books at this point).

7.) Also keep a Daily journal of who, when, where, and what you discussed.

Along with this information, write down the daily behavior's, and concerns

you have. This information is invaluable!

8.) Hire an Advocate, or call your State's Protection & Advocacy Office for

a referral to assist you. Some State's offer this service to Families for

free.

9.) Follow up on a weekly time-frame, keep your name on the top of the

priority list of the agencies that can provide help to you and your child.

10.) Do Not give up! The Families who persist are the Families who receive

the best services, which in turn leads to success for your child.