Raising a Child with Special Needs: How It Taught Me Patience, Love and Understanding
- Jessica Thompson
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Raising a child with special needs can be a roller coaster of emotions, filled with challenges and victories. As a parent of a child diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder, my experience has taught me how complex and rewarding this journey can be. Each day brings fresh obstacles along with moments of incredible strength and resilience. In this post, I'll share insights from my personal journey and discuss how to navigate the landscape of special needs education, regardless of whether you choose to home school or go the public schooling route.
Understanding Special Needs: Our Personal Journey
When my son was diagnosed with ADHD, and later autism and bipolar disorder, I felt overwhelmed. My initial emotions ranged from fear to determination. Early on, we decided to home school after hours of research and discussion with doctors. I vividly recall our first day of home school. BJ and I were anxious, questioning everything: Would our child find acceptance? Would we be able to meet his specific needs?
The effects of ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder on a child’s learning and social interactions are profound. For some, timely intervention can lead to significant improvements. For instance, studies show that early treatment for ADHD can improve academic performance by 25% or more. Yet, each child may require varied approaches over time.
During these early days, I quickly learned how vital it is to be well-informed and adaptable. Resources like therapy, specialized programs, and support networks have become lifelines, allowing me to effectively advocate for my child's needs.
The Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling
We started Eli's homeschooling journey in preschool. Home schooling provides a more stable, focused learning environment, which has proven beneficial for Eli.
One clear advantage was the ability to create a personalized curriculum. For example, when teaching math, I incorporated my child’s strong interest in video games. We used video game-themed problems to solve addition and subtraction. This approach not only made learning enjoyable but also significantly improved engagement.
Yet, homeschooling also posed its own challenges. It demands patience, creativity, and excellent time management. There were days when my child faced difficulties, and I had to remind myself of the importance of taking breaks and adjusting our schedule as needed. To be honest, I have had plenty of days where I melted down myself, as I too struggle with bipolar disorder.
To foster social development, we have tried out various sports and social clubs. We have had him in bowling, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. These activities provided social interactions and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for emotional well-being. These too have their challenges at times, however, when he struggles with emotional regulation or over stimulation.
Exploring Public School: A Different Perspective
After years of homeschooling, we transitioned back to public school for the sake of social interaction. I won't sugarcoat it; the first few months were tough. We faced educators who lacked understanding of special needs, particularly regarding ADHD and autism.
In this environment, advocacy became a vital part of my role. Communicating proactively with teachers and school leaders about my child's Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) was essential. I scheduled regular meetings to ensure that my child received the necessary support tailored to their individual requirements.
We made this decision to transition to public school because it offered experiences that couldn't be replicated at home. Studies have shown that children with special needs who engage in group activities improve their social skills by as much as 30%. Unfortunately, his academic and behaviors suffered in this environment, thus we weighed the pros and cons and ultimately returned to homeschooling after two years, finding social interactions in other ways.
Social Interactions: Building Meaningful Connections
Children with ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder often face challenges in social settings. However, fostering an environment where they can practice these skills is indeed possible.
Engaging in activities with patient friends and therapies have made a considerable difference for us. I have closely monitored these interactions, offering gentle guidance while allowing my child the space to express himself. For example, I would encourage him to approach children at local playgrounds, helping him learn how to navigate social cues in a comfortable environment.
Role-playing scenarios at home has also proven helpful. We have practiced simple conversation starters so Eli feels more confident in social settings outside our home. This preparation has been particularly beneficial, leading to improved interactions with peers and adults.
My Toolkit: Resources and Strategies
Over the years, I have compiled a toolkit full of resources and strategies that have helped us navigate this challenging landscape. Here are the key elements that worked for us:
Therapy: Finding the right therapist was crucial. Behavioral therapy empowered my child to develop coping strategies and improve social skills.
Educational Apps: Interactive educational apps focused on special needs have made learning engaging while reinforcing essential skills. For example, apps that focus on executive function skills have helped my child stay organized and focused.
Routine Establishment: Maintaining a daily routine has been key. Visual schedules have transformed our daily life by providing structure and predictability, making transitions smoother for my child.
Celebrating Milestones: Recognizing all achievements, regardless of size, has boosted my child's confidence. For instance, celebrating small math goals has motivated my child to engage more and seeing his face light up with pride makes my heart fill with pride.
These tools not only support my child’s development but also strengthen our family bond.
Reassessing the Ideal Path
Choosing the right educational approach for your child can feel like a tug of war. Should you continue with homeschooling, which allows for personalized learning, or switch to public schooling, which offers rich social opportunities?
In our case, we’ve adopted the home school approach, choosing to focus on academics and behavior, hopefully helping him reach his full potential. We regularly reassess our circumstances, however, remaining flexible and open to change.
Recognizing that every child is unique is essential. Sometimes, a blended approach may yield more positive outcomes than sticking strictly to one method.
Remember, no path is without its challenges. The goal is to find the right fit for your child and be willing to adapt as needed. Flexibility is indeed crucial.
Embracing the Journey
Raising a child with ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder has offered me a new understanding of parenting and education. Through every struggle, I’ve learned the importance of advocacy, patience, and most importantly, love.
Whether your journey leads you to homeschooling or public education, always remember that each child’s experience is unique. It's important to build a reliable support network, stay adaptable, and celebrate all victories, big or small.
As a parent of a child with special needs, we wear many hats and face numerous challenges, but we also witness incredible moments of resilience and strength. I hope my story offers comfort and insight to those embarking on similar paths. Embrace your journey wholeheartedly, and remember that you are never alone.
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