Have you ever asked yourself, “Is there something “off” or different with my child? Is he/she behaving as other kids do?” As you might imagine, with five special needs children, I’ve kept a pretty good eye on my youngest daughter’s progress in social and sensory behaviors.
Lately she’s been a bit more intractable with transition times, and she’s had a hard time following certain directions. She’s also struggling with rules for reading and math within minutes of going over it.
Needless to say, these things are concerning to us.
This leads me to write about the steps you should immediately take when you feel something isn’t quite right with your child.
What to do when you suspect something is “off”
1). Talk to any teachers your child has.
Discuss and document any concerns either of you has.
2) Discuss concerns with your pediatrician.
You may need a doctor’s referral for further evaluations/testing.
3) Call any recommended specialists immediately.
Our experience has shown that the best specialists will have waiting lists to get in.
4) Document everything.
Any behavior you see as odd, pattern-related, food-related, etc. If you catch your child chewing on his/her clothing, write it down. If you see your child licking the couch (happened to me), write it down. Talk to friends and family who may help you remember specific incidents.
5) While you wait to see the specialist, ask questions of other parents and try to connect with others in the community who could help you.
Is there a resource center at your school district? Are there support groups who could possibly walk you through the process? Someone in your area who has walked the path before is an immeasurable resource.
6) Jot down questions you may have for ahead of time.
Too many times we get frazzled by traffic, distracted by our child’s behavior that we forget what we really needed to ask. Writing down your questions one one place ahead of time will help you ensure you don’t forget any questions.
7) Gather all your paperwork and notes ahead of time and come prepared to your appointment.
Doctors are fairly busy, so if you are organized with your documentation, observations and questions, it will make things go smoother.
8) If you get a diagnosis, It’s okay if it makes you sad.
While your child hasn’t changed, a diagnosis means certain aspects of life will be harder for your child. He or she may have more struggles and take longer to reach the same level of achievement as their peers. It is okay to mourn the future you envisioned for your child.
Just don’t get stuck in the mourning of those dreams.
9) Get to work.
There are so many things you as a parent or caregiver can do. Does your child need speech therapies? Did you know there are lots of games you can play with kids to teach them speech skills? (Like trying to move cotton balls by making “p” puffs repeatedly).
10) Love your child.
Your child is till the same one you’ve always known. Your child will have challenges, but he or she can also be your greatest teacher.
I am a better person for having my children.
I hope these steps help you navigate a little easier.
Until next time, have a “bee”-utiful day!
Helpful Links:
Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)
You May Also Enjoy:
Firstborn’s Journey to Diagnosis: Part One