Children with special needs is the term used for kids with a range of diagnoses. It may occur for a short period of time or arise challenges for a lifetime. Often, special needs kids have underlying conditions like slow development growth, medical issues, and congenital conditions. Children with special needs require the expertise and care of parents, therapists, and teachers to maximize their full potential.
Considering a pediatric prescribed extended care (PPEC) center, specifically designed for special needs kids, is useful. It can help parents fulfill their child’s unique needs, set objectives, and gain a deeper sense of understanding.
Kids Miracle Steps is a PPEC center offering therapies, educational programs, and transportation services for children with special needs. We understand the hope of families to see their child do his best. Our various services range from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
Understanding children with special needs
Children with special needs often lack something that other children can do. These may be having difficulties in milestones, food restrictions, and avoiding certain activities. These limitations are painful for families and maybe a challenge bearing with it for life.
Seeing your child lose his potential is agonizing for parents. But it does not have to end there. Therapies and programs by PPEC centers make it possible to improve your child’s quality of life.
Children with special needs do not only focus on medical issues. It is a broad term and every child is unique. Families seeking treatment should know the lacking issues of their child.
Concerns on special needs children
Medical complex issues
The most common concerns for special needs children are medical complexities. It can include severe cases like cancer or heart problems and chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. Congenital conditions also count such as cerebral palsy and dwarfism. While there are limitations on food intake because of food allergies and obesity.
Children with special needs like medical issues are required for frequent medical tests and accommodation like a medical daycare.
Behavioral issues
Children with special needs have behavioral issues like ADHD or Tourette’s syndrome. They may not recognize traditional discipline so specialized strategies are essential to fit their specific needs. Behavioral issues can cause problems, especially when in school.
Developmental issues
Some children with special needs have developmental delays. The usual diagnoses are autism and down syndrome.
While having kids with special needs is a tough task, parents strongly advocate for their awareness to ensure that special needs kids get their rightful services, therapies, educational programs, and inclusion in the community.
Educational issues
Special needs children with educational disabilities are commonly associated with dyslexia. Kids Miracle Steps believes that education is an important aspect of special needs kids and an introduction of one should be part of the program.
One of our services is an educational learning program to meet every child’s learning needs. If learning impairments or reduced attention span is prominent, our occupational therapist for special needs kids helps assist.
We are open from Mondays to Saturdays. But even if your child regularly attends our center, we encourage parents to be persistent and personally involved in their child’s learning. We suggest working with your child at home with learning activities that are bright and fun.
Mental health issues
Children with special needs also suffer from mental health issues. As a parent, expect to deal with mood swings and defiance. It may be difficult to go through this phase but being with the right professionals can help.
Who should help children with special needs?
As mentioned, every child is different, as well as their needs. But there are three people that must be present in their lives — parents, teachers, and therapists.
Parents
The role of a parent with special needs kids is to foster a loving and supportive environment. For your child to bloom, they must be under the care of nurturing parents and conditions. As a parent, it is your responsibility to create a healthy ambiance that will help transform your child.
Teachers
Teachers contribute a significant role to special needs kids’ lives. They act as an educator that introduces different learning concepts and activities that may be invisible to the eyes of the child.
Each child’s educational program is different. It often includes specialized plans depending on their needs.
Therapists
Therapists understand the diagnosis and overcome the lacking areas of children with special needs. Therapists help the child overcome deficiencies. It is more like an improvement process. Obviously, which therapies the child will receive will depend on the child’s specific diagnosis.
Suppose your child is experiencing sensory problems, occupational therapy for special needs can address this issue.
The growth of children with special needs is a team effort.
Raising children with special needs should not only be carried by one person. Being a one-man army does not work, considering all the areas that need to be improved.
The growth of special needs kids is a collaboration.
Hence, it is essential that parents, therapists, teachers, and physicians work together.
A child may or may not respond fully to treatments and programs. But small progress is still progress. Believe in their capabilities!
Let Kids Miracle Steps help
Let us be there providing all the help. Raising children with special needs and working with them demands patience and commitment every day. Learn and find support about common challenges and concerns.
We are keeping all lines open for messages. You may call us at (754) 219-9431 or visit our website www.kidsmiraclesteps.com to schedule an appointment. We also offer in-person or virtual tours.
Enroll now! Schedule an appointment today at www.kidsmiraclesteps.com/appointment.
