Working When You Have an Amazing Special Needs Child

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Working when you have a special needs child can be challenging. Whether your child has serious health conditions or diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities you may find managing both your career path and parenting a special needs child overwhelming. Working while caring for a special needs child requires intentionality and planning to do both well.

Definition of “special needs child”

Special needs children have unique and individualized needs that require some level of extra care or support beyond what is usually provided in regular education. There is no definitive definition for a special needs child, as the range of disabilities can be extreme and complex. Most commonly, this term is used to refer to a child who has physical, mental, emotional, learning or developmental impairments that makes it difficult for them to function at the same level as other children their age.

Overview of Situation: Working When You Have a Special Needs Child

Balancing work and a special needs child can be a challenge. Career goals need to be adjusted in terms of your availability and flexibility. Finding the right caregiving support is critical to both the child’s well-being and your ability to continue working. Spending quality time with other family members is also an important part of fostering a thriving family life while being able to devote attention to the care of a special needs child.

The impact that Special Needs Have on Work Life

Having a special needs child can be challenging and stressful. It can also take a toll on work lives. Juggling the demands of parenting a special needs child with their own job responsibilities may lead to longer work hours and additional stress at work. Developing an understanding with employers and finding balance is important for parents of these children to maintain both personal and professional stability. Additionally, it is important to recognize the support these children give in return, like providing life lessons, joy, focus on what matters most, and unconditional love.

My daughter was born with Cerebral palsy

My daughter’s diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy turned my life upside down. I never expected the impact she’d have on my work life; it was far more than I ever could have realized. From the heel cord extension surgery at 8 years of age to relearning how to walk–work had to take a backseat while focusing on providing quality care and support. Ultimately, I’m so grateful as my daughter has taught me many invaluable lessons in resilience and strength.

Being a parent of a special needs child is super hard. You get little to no sleep and working out becomes extra hard. Especially when that child has separation anxiety. If he wakes up when I’m trying to leave I have to choose between working out and letting my husband get sleep. pic.twitter.com/0DgN9yaHjc

— Sig26BVelma (@SigO26BVelma) October 26, 2022

Financial Burden on Parents of Children With Special Needs

A recent study has revealed the financial burden that parents of children with special needs have to bear nationally. On average, families of children with special needs spend more than twice the amount that typical families do on their kids. This is an incredibly high cost for these families as they often have to purchase extra services and technologies to help give their children the care they need.

The higher cost is not just reflected in the necessary technology and services, however, as it extends to other facets of living such as housing, transportation, nutrition, and insurance. Many families struggle in order to provide the best possible care for their children, with some having to resort to drastic measures in order to stay afloat financially.

Time Restraints and Working When You Have a Special Needs Child

Parents of children with additional needs are often up against time restraints as they juggle between participating in daily activities, taking on employment opportunities and providing round-the-clock care for their child. This can be quite a challenge considering the extra commitment of managing any special requirements. Therefore, it is important to recognize the demands these parents face and support them in any way possible.

Laws and Programs to Assist Parents of Special Needs Children

Laws and programs exist to help parents of special needs children navigate their challenges. The Americans with Disabilities Act prevents employment discrimination, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that all students receive a free appropriate public education. Many states provide additional resources, such as respite care or disabled placements in early childhood programs, to further support parents of these unique children.

Family Medical Leave Act and Working When You Have a Special Needs Child

The Family and Medical Leave Act, commonly known as FMLA, aids families of children who need caretaking due to a child’s health conditions or disabilities. Parents and young people can take leave for up to 12 weeks with job security to attend to the child’s needs. This invaluable program also enables healthcare providers to provide adequate and necessary care without fear of falling behind financially. The FMLA plays a critical role in protecting families so they can care for their loved ones.

5 Things To Know About A Special Needs Mom

Disabilities Education Act

The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was a groundbreaking legislation enacted in 1975. It ensured all children – including those with disabilities – have access to “a free and appropriate public education”. IDEA provides important legal protections for parents of children with disabilities, so they can get the resources their child needs to receive a quality education. Eligible children often include those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, physical impairments, speech and language impairments, and developmental delays.

IDEA has changed the lives of many families who now have access support they otherwise would not have had. It also prevents discrimination against students with disabilities and provides guidelines for assessing disability status so students can get the services they need. IDEA is an important step forward in ensuring equitable access to education for those with disabilities.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An Individual Education Program (IEP) is a plan designed to help kids with a developmental disability reach their goals. It’s used for children aged 3-21 and provides them with needed support in areas such as academics, social life, communication, and daily living skills. IEPs are tailored specifically for each child, taking into account the unique needs of young people with disabilities. This helps them reach their full potential and be successful in an educational setting.

Creating an IEP for my daughter was an important step to help keep her on track while she was missing significant time in the classroom. My other two children had an IEP as well since their IQ levels were classified as “genius”, a topic which will be covered in more detail later. An IEP can be tailored to many different situations, from disability-related issues to giftedness, and is a great tool for ensuring students receive an appropriate education.

Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services are an important part of young children’s education, as they provide behavior analysis, social skills and appropriate behavior to elementary school age students. These activities focus on the development of social-emotional and academic skills during early childhood education. Early intervention services offer fun activities that help young children become successful learners, understand the expectations for their behavior, and learn positive communication skills. All in all, early intervention can be a valuable part of important life lessons for our youth.

Rehabilitation Act and Working When You Have a Special Needs Child

The Rehabilitation Act is a law that helps families with high-cost child care due to the child’s special needs. It provides money to help improve the lives of these children, making opportunities available to them that may have otherwise been out of reach. With this act, young people with disabilities can succeed to their full potential and enjoy the same activities as other kids their age.

Employment Discrimination Law

Employment Discrimination Law is an important part of protecting the rights of those with disabilities. There is help for those working when you have a special needs child. It helps ensure they can receive the special education services they need to succeed, particularly for a disabled child who may have unique special needs. These laws take many forms such as providing accommodations in the workplace, recruiting, and job application processes, and enforcing anti-discriminatory practices. Without these laws, disabled individuals may not be able to live up to their full potential, which can negatively affect their future opportunities.

State Laws for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Parents in the United States have certain rights when it comes to ensuring their child with special needs receives the best education in any setting. Each state has different laws and regulations, though generally, these cover all public and some private educational facilities. Parents should stay up-to-date on the specific laws of their state so that they can ensure their child is receiving proper academic support and services in any type of school from public to private.

Federal laws for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Parents of children with special needs must be aware of the federal laws that can benefit their family. The Federal government, through programs like the Family Medical Leave Act and Social Security Disability, provides you with much-needed protection when working when you have a special needs child. Knowing these laws can ensure that parents have options available in challenging times.

Resources for Special Needs Families and Working When You Have a Special Needs Child

Families who are working when you have a special needs child need additional resources:

• The Autism Society provides access to disability rights resources and local support groups.
• The Parent Resource Center is dedicated to providing information and training to families.
• Pathways offers transition assistance for teens with special needs headed into adulthood.
• WRAP, which stands for Wellness Recovery Action Plan, offers self-directed care planning tools tailored for individuals with disabilities.
• The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities provides free info on disabilities and special education laws.
• Vela Help is a digital app designed to guide families through their special needs journey.
• Families Helping Families provides webinars and holds seminars throughout the year. 

Support Groups & Classes

Supporting families with special needs children can be incredibly difficult, especially when parents and primary caregivers also have to work full-time. Community classes and support groups offer a great way for these families to access additional resources and get informed advice from professionals. Without these options, the demands of being a working parent of a special needs child may become too overwhelming and unmanageable. It’s important to find an organization or program in the local area that can provide assistance or support services specifically tailored to their family’s unique situation. Facebook has many different support groups. Just search for the type of support you are looking for and the groups will come up for you to peruse.

Community Resources & Child Care Providers

Childcare providers offering specialized help for parents of children with special needs are a valuable resource. These individuals can provide support tailored to each child’s disability, from something simple like implementing behavioral strategies to more involved processes such as developing educational plans. Childcare providers are part of the broader network of community resources that offer families the chance to access help and make informed decisions about their child’s well-being.

Government Benefits & Financial Aid for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Parents of children with special needs can get financial and other kinds of support from the government. Financial aid may be eligible to help pay for medical expenses, while extra services can help provide better access to mental health care, educational resources, and more. They also may qualify for deductions on their federal taxes and grants that cover costs related to the child’s care. In addition, there are many other services available depending on individual circumstances; these could include transportation, housing assistance, job training opportunities, and more.

Strategies for Balancing Working with Caring for a Special Needs Child

Balancing work and caring for a special needs child can be challenging. Parents need to make sure their accessible resources are easy to access and that each person in the household knows what roles they will play in helping the child learn. To do this, parents should prioritize finding reliable sources of information about their child’s condition, available support services, and tasks that require attention. With this knowledge, a balanced life is achievable. For more information, read How to set priorities when you have a special needs child.

Flexible Scheduling When Caring for a Special Needs Child

Caring for a special needs child has its own unique set of challenges. Managing work, school, and appointments can be tricky, and having a flexible schedule can help significantly. Working parents may consider switching their shifts around or looking for a job with more accommodating hours. Specialized therapies such as physical or occupational therapy might require visits during the day; it may be a good idea to split these visits between the parent’s days off from work. Finding ways to balance the needs of your child and the obligations of your work schedule will make managing both much easier!

I switched from working on the medical/surgical floor as an RN to working in a pediatrics office, which was, by far, my favorite job. Sometimes switching to what you think is in a negative direction turns out to be more positive than you could ever imagine!

Finding the Right Care for a Special Needs Child

Finding the right care for a special needs child can be a daunting task. Researching available services and specialist centers can help families find the best match for their child’s medical needs. Once a center is chosen, it is important to meet with the staff members and ensure that there are qualified professionals such as therapists, counselors, and special education teachers on hand to provide individualized care. Taking time to review the staff and find out more about their experience in this field can bring peace of mind to parents looking for top-notch care for their children.

Self-Care & Respite When You Have a Special Needs Child

Taking care of a special needs child can be immensely enjoyable and rewarding. But between the emotional, physical, and/or financial demands, it can also be overwhelming. Parents need to practice self-care:

• Schedule regular respite time
• Make lists
• Delegate tasks
• Set realistic goals
• Take advantage of community resources
• Take regular respite breaks

Find activities that restore your energy and well-being: yoga, meditation, walks in nature – whatever works for you. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure everyone in the family is getting what they need.

Back-Up Plan When You Work and Have a Special Needs Child

When you work and have a special needs child with serious health conditions, it’s important to have a backup plan. Who will care for your child if they take a turn for the worse, or will need extra help? Research your area for support services that are available and ask family and friends to provide care in an emergency. Preparing ahead of time can help manage any surprises that may arise. Ensure you create a backup plan that will enable you to take care of yourself while sustaining and providing the best care for your child.

Taking Advantage of Support Services When You Have a Special Needs Child

For parents of a special needs child, taking advantage of the multitude of resources available can be valuable. Joining a support group to connect with other parents going through the same experience can provide valuable insight. Working with therapists and educational professionals to create a plan tailored to the individual’s needs will promote development and growth. Seeking out relevant organizations and programs will open doors that can help make navigating this unique experience more manageable. Parents are encouraged to make the most of the valuable support services available to them. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these valuable services – you are your child’s best advocate!

To Parents of Children With Special Needs – Thank You

Summary of Article

This article discusses various ways that parents of special needs children can take care of themselves while providing the best possible care for their child. Parents are encouraged to research available services and specialist centers, create a backup plan in case of emergency, practice self-care with regular respite breaks, stay connected with other parents through support groups, and take advantage of therapists, educational professionals, and relevant organizations. With a little bit of planning and utilizing the support services available, taking care of both yourself and your special needs child will become much more manageable.

Reflection on Personal Experience/Takeaway Points for Readers

I have personally experienced the challenges that come with being a parent to a special needs child. As such, I understand the importance of taking time to care for oneself while providing adequate care for the child. Having a support system in place is key and utilizing available resources can go a long way in creating a plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Taking advantage of services such as respite, therapy, and educational programs will also help parents manage their stress levels while ensuring their child receives the best possible care. It is also important to remember that attending regular support group meetings and connecting with other parents going through similar experiences, it can provide valuable insight on how to better handle any situation you may face.

In conclusion, having a special needs child can be quite demanding. However, by taking the proper steps to ensure your own well-being and that of your child, you will be able to create a more manageable situation. Utilize available resources, connect with other parents in similar situations, and remember to take time for yourself – you deserve it!

The key takeaway points I would like readers to consider are:

1. Utilizing available resources
2. Creating a backup plan
3. Practicing self-care
4. Connecting with other parents through support groups
5. Taking advantage of services such as therapy and educational programs
6. Remembering that you are your child’s best advocate.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article!

So what’s next? Read Managing Finances When You Have a Special Needs Child and How To Celebrate The Bond With Your Special Needs Child: Tips for Parents.

#StoryofLori