Special Needs: What Is Wrong with THAT Child?

A child’s decline in school performance, sudden change in grades, regular worry, refusal to take part in activities, nightmares, fidgeting, aggression, running away, tantrums that last hours, depression, irritability, and difficulty separating may be signs of an impeding mental health condition. If you suspect your child is exhibiting signs of mental illness:

Consult knowledgeable professionals—Early treatment interventions are essential to helping your child. It is important that you seek out opinions from professionals trained in childhood mental illness, and develop a well-rounded team that is supportive of you and your family. 

Become educated—Being told that your child has a mental illness is scary. Once you’re finished freaking out, educate yourself and your family about the illness. The more you know, the easier it will be to manage your child.

Enhance your parenting skills—Parenting a child with mental illness requires specialized parenting skills and that those skills be superior. Because children with mental illness can be difficult, they are statistically at high risk for child abuse. Caregivers often become frustrated, not understanding the behaviors that they are seeing. Your skills, compassion, and mannerisms must fit the child that you are parenting. 

Enhance your child’s strengths—All children have strengths. Don’t let your child’s illness consume their life. Finding things that your child is good at can help boost self-esteem and release stress in a positive manner. 

Know your child’s limits—Don’t set yourself or your child up for failure. Avoid areas or activities that you know will agitate your child. If that is not possible to do, take someone else with you who is on your team in case a problem occurs.

Be an advocate for your child—Children with mental illness fall under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations to help them be successful in every environment, including school.

If you have not signed up for the upcoming FREE Special Needs Event: “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid” with Patty Konjoian and Gina Gallagher, then do it now before all the spaces are taken! 

By Nikki Woller