From a Parent's Perspective

         It has been a while since my last post, but I intend on blogging more regularly  in hopes that they will help some of you in your own journey. 

         When I first started teaching I felt as if I could light the world on fire one child at a time. My first few years were all about the decor, cute projects and finding my style. Little did I know what lay ahead of me in my future of teaching as well as parenting. In my first five years of teaching I taught grades one, four and five and had my first son. In my sixth year I started teaching Kindergarten and gave birth to my second son who was born with many complications. Teaching Kindergarten opened my eyes more than ever to the challenges children face even before the age of 10 and how academic difficulties often align with behavior issues. In this first year of teaching Kindergarten I came across a student that opened my eyes to the special needs world. She struggled to speak, had low gross motor abilities and was extremely behind academically. My heart just broke for her, and I did everything I could to help her. This one students opened my heart up to special education and I knew from that moment on I wanted to be a part of that world. 

        Now, as mentioned earlier I gave birth to my second son in that same year. He struggled his first year of life, and I had to learn how to be a mom of a child with special needs myself. My son was eventually diagnosed with Autism 3 years later and I then became more aware of the behavior challenges that children with special needs possess first hand. Being a teacher of children with special needs was one thing...but being a mom of a child with special needs was another. I was overwhelmed, scared, and fearful...and quite honestly I still feel like this now and again and he is turning 9 next month.  

          I was introduced to ABA, many therapies such as speech, occupational, and physical. All I did was research how to help my son. This research then ignited a fire in me and I started getting better at identifying students in my class who were struggling either academically, physically or behaviorally which is how I became the ESE teacher I am today. 

         Through my son and my experience as an ESE teacher over the past four years I have learned different approaches and strategies. I have taken note of similarities that I see amongst different populations, ASD for example and am always looking for new practices that I can use on my son at home. I even became inspired at the age of 36 to go back to school and get my Masters in Special Education. He has taught me that no child is the same. What works for one does not work for another. I have also learned as a parent that having a network of other parents who are going through a similar walk is key.

TIPS FROM ONE PARENT TO ANOTHER:

1.  Do your research...even when a Dr or specialist recommends a therapy or test or program still do your research and know what is best for your child. 
2. Early identification is key and so is early intervention. 
3. If your child struggles with social behaviors the two social skills programs that I have found to be top notch for my child (again choose what best fits yours) is Zones of Regulation and TeachTown. 
4. ABA therapy can be hard as a parent to walk through but it is our job as parents to follow through their the therapy and to stick with it to help replace unwanted behaviors. 
5. Find a Village to help you and your child walk together in a journey that can often times be lonely. 
6. If you have other children educate them. Help them to understand and also help them to know that even though they may not always get your attention they are still so greatly loved (and make sure to make special time with them too).

Share tips in the comments below that you think other parents of special needs children should know! Lets help each other out 👇!

❤Author- Lindsey Cruz- Special Education Mama and Teacher