Realising that your child has special needs is a daunting experience for many parents.
It is not something a parent can predict or plan for.
Raising a child with special needs does not come with a handbook, and so many parents feel lost, confused and isolated in this experience.
To top this off, there is statistically higher rates of divorce amongst couples with children who have a disability.
At the root of these strains and stresses is the difficulty for parents to find the right type of help for their child.
Before looking for a service, answer the questions below.
This will prepare you for getting the right type of help.
Questions to answer about your child

• What areas is my child struggling with? Eg communication/sharing/gross motor skills/holding small objects
• What health professionals are out there, and what can they do for my child?
• What support networks exist around me? Eg online forums, community health centres, parent meet-up groups
• How can I learn more about what my child is struggling with?
• How can I support my child so his/her strengths shine through?

What to look for in a service:

• What is the philosophy of the service?
• Is the staff focused on my child's needs?
• How much experience do the staff have?
• What types of programs do they offer?
• Is my child responding well to the sessions?
• Can I get funding through this service?
• How do they support me in meeting the learning and developmental needs of my child?