Every parent wants their kids to be ahead of the game and have the advantages perhaps they didn't have. But it's an all-too-common story for parents and caregivers - especially those caring for kids with special needs or disabilities who don't carry the more common labels (autism, ADHD) - that they are often left navigating the system and fighting to get the support needed.
Navigating a complex system of diagnosis and treatment for children with special needs - especially children with less obvious needs - can be a lonely and frustrating endeavor. Your Child's Voice will empower parents and caregivers of children with mild to moderate disabilities be the voice for their children, and advocate for them the best they can.
Drawing on the author's experience as a patient advocate and her ongoing journey getting support for her own son, this book includes personal stories about fighting to ensure files didn't get lost in the system; the challenges of getting support in school; getting tests in a timely manner; and also includes exercises and checklists to help caregivers prepare for appointments and ask for help.
Read about:
Understanding your child's individual needs
The importance of a team captain/case manager
Who should be on your team
Diagnoses and understanding them
Getting and staying organized
Navigating wait lists and meetings
Obtaining educational assistance
Creating a support system
Dealing with roadblocks
With the tips in this book, you will learn that you are not alone, and that you can help your child thrive.
Preface xiiiIntroduction xv1 See the Big Picture: Understand YourChild's Needs 11. Start to Think about Your Child's Support Team 12. Identify Your Case Manager 43. Establish Your Medical Team 94. Potential Tests 102 The Diagnosis 151. Getting Organized 173 Get Support 191. In-School Support 212. Ongoing Communications 303. Navigating Waiting Lists 35vi Your Child's Voice4 Identify Your Family's Needs 391. Time with Each Individual 392. Date Nights 413. Create a Support System 464. Connect with Other Parents 515 Dealing with Roadblocks 571. Advocating versus Bullying 652. Knowing Your Child's Rights 663. Children's Needs versus Adult Needs 724. Accessing Support 736 Find the Right Therapy for Your Child 751. Family Connection 787 Share Your Story 851. Community of Support 878 Giving Back 931. The Value of the Positive 969 Final Thoughts 99Download Kit 101Exercises1 Looking at the Big Picture 22 Questions to Ask Your Case Manager 63 Setting up Your Medical Team 114 Developing the Case for an Educational Assistant/Teaching Assistant or Additional Support 315 Asking for Help 546 Finding a Therapy Fit for Your Child 797 Annual Review 83
