Dealing With a Diagnosis
What Are "Special Needs"?
An explanation of the term "special needs," and a look at different children's diseases, disorders and disabilities that fall under that umbrella.
Before You Worry About Your Child
Think something's not right with your little one? Here's a guide to developmental milestones, charts and checkers to help you decide whether it's really time to worry.
How to Get a Diagnosis
Getting from "something doesn't seem right" to "here's what's wrong" can be a drawn-out, frustrating process. Following the suggestions in these five steps can help you get the answers you need to care for your child.
How to Research a Disability on About Parenting Special Needs
The About Parenting Special Needs is full of information on specific disabilities and general behaviors and issues that apply to kids with special needs. Here's how to find the information you're looking for, and more.
Diagnosis Index
Use this alphabetical index to find information on your child's diagnosis, or a diagnosis you're curious about.
Alphabet Soup Unscrambled
Wondering what all those acronyms stand for? Use this alphabetical index to find the names that go with those initials and information on the diagnosis.
10 Questions to Ask the Doctor
Many of the questions you'll need to ask the doctor after your child is diagnosed with special needs will be specific to your child's condition, age, and prognosis. But bring this list of 10 questions to the appointment with you, too; they'll make sure you get a clear idea of the next step for both the doctor and you.
Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis
In an excerpt from "Supportive Parenting," author Jan Starr Campito lists characteristics of an effective understanding of your child's diagnosis.
After the Diagnosis: Accept and Move Forward
Information on the next steps to take after you receive a diagnosis for your child with special needs, in general and for specific disabilities.
It's Okay to Be Angry About Your Child's Special Needs
An excerpt from an inspirational guide for parents explains gives permission to feel anger and forgive ourselves for it.
Working with Specialists
Information on what various specialists do and how to work with them as a member of your child's team.
Focus on Today, Not Tomorrow
It's easy for parents of children with special needs to get caught up in worry and fear for their child's future. But in focusing too relentlessly on what might be, we risk missing out on the wonderful creatures our kids are right now.
But I Didn't Sign Up for This: Parenting a Child with a Disability
In an excerpt from her book about living with blindness, author Katherine Schneider shares some tips for parents of children with special needs.
Five Things to Do When the Doctor Says "Wait and See"
So you're worried about your child, and you've brought your concerns to your pediatrician, and your pediatrician has uttered the three least satisfying words in the English language: "Wait and See." Welcome to Worry Limbo!