Seven Back-To-School Tips For Special Needs Parents

NEW YORK - Sept. 6, 2018 - PRLog -- During the hectic and stressful back-to-school season, mothers and fathers of special needs children are often overwhelmed with the challenges of educating their child. Many feel that navigating the special education system and advocating for their son or daughter is a full-time job in itself. The tasks and responsibilities can seem never-ending at times.

"This free booklet provides ten proven strategies to help special needs parents, not only survive and manage the school year, but look forward to one with less stress, more enjoyment and better results for everyone," said Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC and author of The Autism Parents' Guide To Reclaiming Your Life. The guide is available at no cost, by downloading it, from the company's website.

Parents can apply these and other tips from the "Having A Great School Year With Your Special Needs Child" guide:

• Get involved. One of the smartest and most effective things you can do for your child's education is to simply be part of it. Get to know teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and administrative personnel early in the school year. The teaching staff can offer advice on appropriate academic activities and lesson plans for your son or daughter. Therapists may help you develop some easy and practical activities you can do at home that will reinforce their work.

• Form a winning partnership. Your child's educators will be more helpful and involved when you come forward as an engaged partner. Tell and show them you want to collaborate. Be open, honest and approachable and they will be the same. Discuss best practices for communicating on a regular basis and building a successful team. Set realistic goals based on your child's abilities and needs. Meet periodically throughout the year to stay on top of everything.

• Network. If possible, participate in some school activities and events, attend PTA meetings and parent workshops. These are great ways to meet other parents and build a support team. You can make some new friends and may even find some potential "play dates" for your child.

• Know your rights. Your son or daughter is entitled to a good and appropriate education. If, for any reason, you're not satisfied with the IEP and other goals set for your child, you can seek to change the situation. Speak with the teaching team, school principal or other administrative staff to resolve these issues.

• Be the head cheerleader. Make sure you celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small. Praise your son or daughter constantly and tell him/her you're proud.

• Have a good time with your child. Like any child, yours deserves to be a kid - to have some fun, enjoy the experiences of life and just relax sometimes. And you know what? You deserve that too. Don't spend every waking moment analyzing your child's behavior or trying to modify it. They get enough of it in school with constant observation and therapy. So have a good time. Do some arts and crafts. Take a day trip to the museum or go see a movie. Remember, every experience can create new learning opportunities.

• Remember, you're human. No one's perfect. You're allowed to make mistakes, get angry, frustrated, resentful or even be a little sad at times. So cut yourself some slack every once in a while.

Your Autism Coach, LLC (http://www.yourautismcoach.com) provides personalized guidance, comprehensive support programs and seminars that address the issues and concerns of parents of special needs children. Now on Twitter (@yourautismcoach), look for the latest parenting tips and advice from Deanna Picon. She shows parents how to overcome the challenges of raising a child with special needs, while building a rewarding life for themselves. Deanna is the recipient of the 2015 "Top Life Coach Writer" Award from Autism Parenting Magazine.