A diagnosis is in many ways the start of the story. It may get fine-tuned as your child grows and develops. It may turn out to be inexact or flat-out inaccurate. Doctors may wind up re-classifying children like yours, eliminating one diagnosis or moving a block of children over to another one. Seek a diagnosis now, but don't stop seeking information. With your focus on one child and one disability, you may be able to keep up on current research and practices better than your doctor. Read the news, surf the Net, network with other parents, and collaborate with the professionals in your child's life. Be your own specialist.
Helpful resources:
- Special Needs in the News
- Special Needs Sites of the Day
- Finding a Support Group
- Book review: Optimizing Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Next: After the Diagnosis
