Advocates and Parenting Groups

You can feel over whelmed by all there is to do to see you child through the hardships of having special needs. You may feel alone and lost. There may be times when you just do not know where to turn next.

There is help for you because you are not alone. There are other parents who have been there, dealt with that, and over come. Parenting groups are a great resource for the special needs parent in general as well as those wishing to advocate.

Check with local hospitals, schools, and community centers for groups. Your school may have a special education advisory board that can point you in the right direction.  You may want to check the local chapter of a group that is centered on your child’s disability.

There is also a site called The Yellow Pages for Kids that may help. Go to www.yellopagesforkids.com for more information.

Besides offering you emotional support, they can teach you the way of the system. They can teach you from what they have had to go through. Other parents have had to fight the schools for services and can give you pointers. Listen to them, take what you can use, and leave the rest.

When searching for groups do not rule out groups that are not just about your child’s disability. Other groups may still have great things to offer. If a part of your child’s issues is a developmental delay and if a group covers that then you will find information and resources you can use.

Also, look for advocacy groups and peer mentors that may be a huge help to you. Some can offer you tips, others may even attend IEP meetings with you.

Other parents have experienced similar trials, emotions and discrimination. They too have watched their child try to overcome. When parents get together and share these moments, they become less painful and easier to deal with.