Comments on: Try This Tuesday #36: Helping A “New” Special Needs Parent

By: Territory Mom

Territory Mom — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:43:08 +0000

I love this site!!! Kajoli, what you said is beautiful.
We are finally in an Autism Spec. Ed. class and they teach my son the way he wants to learn. Using things that interest him. Its great. He is so happy.

By: Kajoli

Kajoli — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:32:02 +0000

Let go of fear
I wish I had known how beautiful life would still be 2 years ago
I was so anxious the day I got the diagnosis of Autism – thinking that I did not know my child at all – that somehow the diagnosis had changed him – Of course it hadnt . It just made me learn the ways to help him

From two of my friends some great advice I got – K and J
From K – Your job as a parent is not to fix your child but help him be the best that he can be
From J – Trust that your child will do everything .. just on their own timetable

By: Heidi @ ggip

Heidi @ ggip — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:19:40 +0000

Good post. I struggle with knowing what I would say to another mom. I fear I would be too enthusiastic about how good it is to be a SN’s mom. I know the reality of hardship, but still think it is good.

I have seen some disparity of adoptive parents vs biological parents views on the internet chat rooms and have to say that there in some cases at least are very big differences where one sortof berates the other (can go both ways).

Not sure where I am going with this, but just wanted to say good topic!

By: Dawn @Wherever He Leads...

Dawn @Wherever He Leads... — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:55:18 +0000

Great post! The list is tremendously helpful. I need to print that out & read it often.

By: LynnEnsMom

LynnEnsMom — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:26:37 +0000

Hey, The Gang’s Momma,you already started, even if you haven’t realized it…. 3 ring binder with tabbed dividers: Adoption Clinic, regular Pediatrician, OT, EI, SP/L, Audiologist and ENT would be potential headings. Another category titled Stuff To Read or else sort and put in appropriate sections of the 3-ring binder.
And yes, you don’t have time anyway. Ask Dr. D to organize it for you? then keep it on the front seat of your car so you’ll have it at appointments AND be able to read at stoplights, or in the bathroom if that works better for you.
It will all happen no matter what, so no worries if you don’t kick the organizing project into gear. It will just help you FEEL more like things are under control and a place to refer to when you have nagging questions or can’t remember something.
It’s kind of like a baby book. Nice to have but you can live without it if you have to!
Hang in there!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:46:05 +0000

Love this list, Trish! Thanks for finding it and posting it. I wish this site had been around when we in the discovery stage of learning about Jackson’s issues!

By: Territory Mom

Territory Mom — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:03:07 +0000

I love the list. When I first started my blog I put this list together to help others. I need to add to it. I think it will help The Gang’s Momma. E-mail me if you have any questions. We have to stick together.

http://territorymom.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-diagnosis-s-list.html

By: The Gang's Momma

The Gang's Momma — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:29:20 +0000

Well, I’m a newbie SN mom and I have a question! I’ve been told to put together a binder (or two?!) with all of Li’l Empress’s “stuff” in it, divided by categories. Where do I start? She sees the pediatrician regularly for the catch-up process of her immunizations, she sees the Int’l Adoption Clinic for check-ups on her progress, has seen OT, just started with EI, and will be seen occasionally by Sp&Lang thru our childrens’ hospital. Also thrown in there is the audiologist and the ENT. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the STUFF they keep handing me to “review at my leisure” (what exactly is that, I mean when I’m not crashing from exhaustion or sickness?!) and currently it’s all bagged up in a tote bag waiting my attack.

Love the list here tho. So encouraging!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:11:08 +0000

Very well put Barbara. I attend a support group for moms of children who have special needs..and i think..sometimes…it’s ok..for us..to feel sorry or to feel their pain..their struggles..ya know..We all are going through similar things at times..like lack of sleep, lack of good respite providers, lack of community support..etc.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:55:50 +0000

Mia’s post is excellent – with many options for parents to consider.

Lisa makes a good point – noticeable to people like me – the whole acceptance issue is different for parents who choose a child with a disability.

Almost like a marriage partner – everyday you choose to be with that person, to love (a decision). Acceptance can be a (cognitive) choice (decision), too.

Also noticeable to others, too, are parents who are still wishing for their child to not have a disability. Noticing this, other people often respond with pity.