5 things to do/not do after you receive a special needs diagnosis at Chicago Parent
5 things to do/not do after you receive a special needs diagnosis
I’ll never forget the moment I was told my baby had Down syndrome. I was sitting next to her incubator in the hospital, holding on to her heel. I remember being pleased because her eyes were open. She stared intently into mine. The doctor spoke and the words ‘Down syndrome’ crashed over me. Suddenly I was alone without a buoy, paddling like crazy in a choppy, new ocean.
When a parent first hears, ‘your child has a disability,’ it can be shocking, saddening and scary.
If you find yourself with a special needs diagnosis, I have a few suggestions that might help. Read the rest of my article at Chicago Parent..
After finding out the special needs diagnosis, I remember my brother calling me.
Now, I was living in Ukraine and he was all the way in California.
I can’t remember exactly what he said but it went something like this:
“I’m not going to pretend I know what you are going through right now, but I went online and found out some things I can do and say to help you.” He told me that he loved me, and that he was in this with me.
One of the most precious moments of my life. The fact that he took the time to look up a few things… I can’t even…
I also included a list of tips for your friends and family for you to share with them. Advice includes showing up, educating yourself, and refrain from platitudes and pat answers.
I’d love to hear from you. What is your advice for parents who receive a special needs diagnosis and their family and friends?
