My Top 10 Things You Should Know About SN Kids

This is something my brother requested I write.

1. Putting kids on meds does not make you a bad parent.

2. Each child learns differently, even if they don’t have special needs.

3. All children have gifts – you just have to look for them.

4. An IEP can be changed or adjusted at the parent’s request.

5. An IEP needs to be updated every year or it expires.

6. Testing for your child HAS to be preformed by the school if you request it (and there is a time limit – PA is 90 days). Best to do it in writing so you have the date requested.

7. If you don’t agree with the findings from the test, you can get outside testing that they (the school) are required to pay for.

8. The schools, family and friends are not always right. Follow your gut.

9. Special needs kids qualify for medical assistance that pays for extra therapy and the schools can also be reimbursed for therapy they provide. (At least in PA)

10. Keep all copies of IEPs, diagnoses, therapy prescriptions and any other paperwork needed for your child. The schools always seem to misplace their copy. Always take your folder of papers to each appointment for when they do.