Caregiving Matters
Commentary
by Cathie
Our 12-year-old son, Randy, was diagnosed at nine months with Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Dysfunction and a few other issues. Over the past twelve years of his life, we have learned many lessons. Here are just a few.
This Month's Focus: Caregiving Matters
Saving Your Sanity through Respite Care
by Dawn Hoskins
Over five years ago, we were blessed with a beautiful little girl who is the definition of high maintenance. Our little blessing has A LOT of special needs. However, because of all the respite care we receive, we survive and continue to thrive.
Coping Lessons from a Reedby Dawn Hoskins
Over five years ago, we were blessed with a beautiful little girl who is the definition of high maintenance. Our little blessing has A LOT of special needs. However, because of all the respite care we receive, we survive and continue to thrive.
by Erin
A very large Oak was uprooted by the wind, and thrown across a stream. It fell among some Reeds, which it thus addressed: "I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds." They replied: "You fight and contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while we, on the contrary, bend before the least breath of air, and therefore remain unbroken. Aesop
A reed is an aquatic grass that grows in wet areas, such as marshes or along the banks of rivers, streams and lakes. Reeds thrive under conditions that are challenging for most plants; therefore, parents can learn much about coping with the challenging caregiving needs of a child with complex needs by studying the survival strategies of a reed. Acceptance is a Rollercoaster
You've probably read at one time or another how accepting your child with special needs is like going through the typical stages of grief, such as shock, denial, guilt, bargaining, anger, depression, and acceptance. While we can all identify with some of these emotions, acceptance really seems to be much more of a rollercoaster for many caregivers.
Specialty Article
Developmental, Orthopedic, Neuromuscular, and Neurological Disorders
Autism Research: Simons Simplex Collection Project
The Simons Simplex Collection is a bold new initiative to search for the causes of autism. Researchers at thirteen sites in North America will collect DNA samples from 2000 families with just one child affected by an autism spectrum disorder. This valuable data will be available to the best scientific minds in the world to search for clues that will lead to important breakthroughs. The Simons Foundation, a New York-based philanthropic organization, has committed millions of dollars to the SFARI Simplex Collection, and other cutting edge autism research.
Other Specialties
Finding Primary Pediatric Care for Your Child with Complex Medical Needs or a Disability
If your child has complex medical needs or a disability, more likely than not you have experienced problems obtaining general pediatric care or non-specialist care for your child. Finding a pediatrician who is willing and able to provide general care, care coordination, and other primary medical services is in and of itself extremely difficult. Add to that the problem that many primary care pediatricians do not accept Medicaid, HMOs, or certain other insurance policies, and it can be almost impossible to find adequate care in some cases.
Autism Research: Simons Simplex Collection Project
The Simons Simplex Collection is a bold new initiative to search for the causes of autism. Researchers at thirteen sites in North America will collect DNA samples from 2000 families with just one child affected by an autism spectrum disorder. This valuable data will be available to the best scientific minds in the world to search for clues that will lead to important breakthroughs. The Simons Foundation, a New York-based philanthropic organization, has committed millions of dollars to the SFARI Simplex Collection, and other cutting edge autism research.
Other Specialties
Finding Primary Pediatric Care for Your Child with Complex Medical Needs or a Disability
If your child has complex medical needs or a disability, more likely than not you have experienced problems obtaining general pediatric care or non-specialist care for your child. Finding a pediatrician who is willing and able to provide general care, care coordination, and other primary medical services is in and of itself extremely difficult. Add to that the problem that many primary care pediatricians do not accept Medicaid, HMOs, or certain other insurance policies, and it can be almost impossible to find adequate care in some cases.
Feature
Federal and State Assistance Programs for Children with Special Needs
It is often overwhelming to be a parent of a child with a disability or complex medical needs. While there are federal and state programs available to help American families in this situation, most states make little effort to publicize these programs or help families in obtaining assistance. As a result, many families struggle needlessly obtaining therapy services, financial help, nursing, respite, and similar services.