Parenting
A Special Needs Child
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Encourage independence and allow your child
to explore his or her world. If you need to, sit on your hands and let
the child try to do activities without help.
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Self-confidence is important for self-determination
(setting and meeting your own goals). Tell your child often that he or
she is important by listening and giving him or her some of your valuable
time.
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Having an identity of your own is important
in gaining confidence and being respected by others. Pay attention to your
child’s preferences and interests. Help them to develop hobbies and memories
of your life together. Give them interesting things to do.
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Don’t run away from your child’s questions
about differences related to his or her disability. Teach them to see what
is important in themselves and others.
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Teach your child about working toward goals.
Talk about the steps to complete the tasks. Teach them to predict what
happens next. This is important in problem solving.
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Provide opportunities for your child to interact
with children of different ages and backgrounds. Work for total inclusion
in the classroom and school activities.
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Don’t become complacent about your child’s
abilities. Undertake activities that challenge his or her current skills.
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Allow your child to take responsibility for
his or her actions, both positive and negative. Let him or her know why
you took certain actions.
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Take every opportunity for your child to make
choices. This may be in what your child wears, eats or does. If your child
cannot choose between two items, then begin by presenting one and working
for a clear yes or no.
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Provide honest, positive feedback. Focus on
behaviors or tasks that need to be changed, but don’t make your child feel
like a failure.
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