Navigating Your Child's Struggles with IEP and Learning Disabilities
Parents often find themselves in challenging situations when their child has difficulties accepting an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or learning disabilities. These challenges can be particularly hard, as they affect not only the child but the entire family. Here, we will explore a few strategies and insights to help families navigate these circumstances.
Understanding the Challenges
So much depends on your child’s age, the severity of his disabilities, and your personal feelings toward him and them. It’s crucial to remember that your child is not alone in feeling frustrated or resistant to IEPs or learning disabilities. The first step is to understand the situation and seek professional help.
Scheduling a Consultation
The best advice is to schedule a visit for yourself with the person who gave your child the diagnosis. If this visit is coded as a family support visit for the child or whatever the insurance company calls it, your child’s health insurance should pay for it. Always check with the provider to see if this is the least expensive way to get this service.
During this visit, explain the problem to the healthcare professional, possibly with examples of your child’s reactions and behaviors. Discuss your concerns and ask for their help, as you are not the first parent to face these challenges. If a visit with the doctor is not feasible, go to your public library and talk to a librarian about finding books to address the issues. Librarians can also point you towards valuable resources and support groups for families.
Seeking Parental Support Groups
Both the healthcare professional and the librarian can provide information about parental support groups for families like yours. These groups can offer invaluable advice from more experienced parents who have faced similar challenges. It’s important to tap into the wisdom and support of others who understand your experience.
Being Patient and Compassionate
In the meantime, be gentle with your child and show them increased love and patience. Be gentle and patient with yourself as well, as this is a new and confusing experience for both of you. Embracing these challenges and finding ways to support each other can go a long way in making this journey smoother.
A Personal Perspective
Autism, as a unique experience, brings its own set of challenges and triumphs. Take the story of Autistic 14, an individual who is also trans, living with OCD anxiety, and juvenile arthritis. They share their journey, explaining, “‘To thine own self be true’ — Polonius, Hamlet, Act 1, Scn 3.”
Autistic 14 started talking at the age of 7 and always felt out of place. They describe it as feeling like one thing is happening and another thing is happening at the same time —?like Schr?dinger’s Cat. They mention feeling resistance towards being autistic but understood that they have both strengths and challenges.
They emphasize the importance of accepting oneself and using therapeutic and familial support to navigate their unique journey. For example, they joined a debate team despite their fears and even won two debates, highlighting their resilience and growth. “We are who we are,” they stress, “no matter how much we get angry at that, it won’t change.”
To conclude, the key is to remain true to oneself, seek professional help, and surround oneself with supportive networks. This approach can help both you and your child make the most of their experiences and thrive.
Keywords: IEP, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, parental support