Are There Really Ways for Families With Special Needs Children To Cope?

Besides the regular stress and tight schedules associated with today's family life, families with special needs children have the added time consuming duty of helping their special child to become a regular member of society.

Judy is the mother of John – a seven year old with fine motor control problems. His siblings thought he was clumsy. He couldn't catch a ball or write legibly. His teacher referred them to an occupational therapist for an evaluation. She suggested that for John to improve he needs; (1) 2 forty-five minute weekly sessions of occupational therapy and (2) 2 fifteen minute sessions daily with a family member for reinforcement.

As a working mother with an additional four children at home, Judy felt unsure. How could she pull this off? It did not sound realistic to her. She knew she could not find all that time in her already busy schedule and she was afraid that if she would somehow or other push these reinforcement sessions into her day then the rest of the family would suffer. The occupational therapist persisted, however, to achieve results, this must be the course to follow. She didn't know what to do.

This is not such an easy task but there is a solution:

Disappointed with herself, Judy approached the social-worker who immediately understood her dilemma. She suggested that Judy find neighborhood girls with some spare time. These girls could then get instructions from the occupational therapist and work with John at home. This could be done as volunteer work or possibly for a modest fee.

Judy is a very smart lady. She realized that she had a big challenge to deal with and she didn't just brood about it and get depressed but she did something to help the situation.

If you feel overwhelmed, though, about waht to do here are a few pointers on how to go about getting help:

How does a parent of special-needs child go about finding young teenagers or adults interested in helping out?

• Advertise in the local community paper – ask for recommendations and interview.
• Approach heads of clubs/youth groups with a request for assistance.
• Contact heads of local schools and ask them to help you find volunteers.
• Ask friends and neighbors for ideas.

How can volunteers help?

Local boys/girls can be roped in as volunteers or for a modest fee to:

• Work with children needing reinforcement of speech/occupational/physical therapy, as in John's case. This must be under guidance from the professional working with the child.
• Help younger kids with school/homework.
• Become a big brother /sister to kids needing emotional support, building self-esteem. This could include taking them on trips occasionally, inviting them over and more.
• If need be they can also go with the child to appointment for therapy.

It is very sad that families with special needs children and that the special needs child herself cannot get proper help because of lack of funds. This help is an investment for life. Therefore try to:

• Ask local or school's social worker for advice on grants, funds, trusts, and community charity organizations which support education.
• Raise money. Get the kids and neighbors involved. Sponsored swim/walk, bake-sale, used –book sale, in your neighborhood, are some possibilities.

There are a myriad of challenges that families with special needs children face; emotional challenges, physical hardships, and learning difficulties are only a few of them. However with the right help and determination the whole family will be able to have a happy and fulfilled life. No matter how far-fetched this claim might seem to you- try it and you'll see that I'm right.

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