Does Your Child Have a Disability?

by Katie Wetherbee

All children face challenges as they grow and mature. Potty training, riding a two-wheeler and learning to drive are among the typical milestones in a child’s life. Some children, however, experience difficulties that may signal a disability that affects learning. When a parent suspects this, finding answers and facing the situation can be frightening. Parents can equip themselves by accessing resources and information that can lead to solutions.

Concerned parents should not delay seeking help. Dr. Stephen Grcevich, a child psychiatrist in Chagrin Falls, advises parents to begin with their pediatrician. "Parents who suspect their child may be suffering from a disability will likely benefit from approaching their child's pediatrician for guidance," he says. "Pediatricians will have different comfort levels in treating specific disabilities, but should be capable of referring parents to specialists when the problem is beyond their expertise."

Pediatric neurologists and neuropsychologists can also make recommendations for treatment. Speech, occupational, and physical therapists all provide assessment and services to assist a child’s development of language and motor skills.

Finally, teachers are vital members of the team. Parents can approach a child’s teacher or local school system to inquire about Child Find, a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that requires states to identify and evaluate all children with disabilities, ages birth to 21. County agencies such as Help Me Grow and the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities also provide assistance.

When possible, parents should collect data on their child. For example, if parents are concerned about a child’s attention span, they might try to record how long the child can stay on a task. If a child struggles with temper tantrums, parents can keep a log describing the frequency and intensity of the episodes. This kind of information will help professionals determine the most effective ways to help.

When meeting with schools or doctors, parents should take all information to the appointments. Doug Hamilton, dean of admission at Lawrence School, Broadview Heights, advises, "This sends the message that you are ready to be an informed partner in your child’s education."

Parents sometimes feel frustrated when they are told by professionals to "wait and see." Often by the time a parent requests help from a school or doctor, the parent has already waited and observed, but problems have persisted. However, diagnosing a child’s needs can take time as the professionals involved gather information. Proceeding cautiously can protect the child from an inappropriate diagnosis. Dr. Grcevich cautions, "As a parent, I'd be concerned if professionals started jumping to conclusions about my child without taking time to understand what's going on."

With this in mind, parents can still garner support for their child. Solon Schools speech/language pathologist Becky Richards says, " ‘Wait and see’ by itself doesn’t work. We need to provide some intervention." Parents should ask what kind of support will be given to their child and schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss progress.

Sometimes, parents are repeatedly told to wait and see. "This is a failure-based approach to intervention," says Hamilton. "In this format you must wait until a child fails to show adequate progress before intervention takes place. Often by the time services are put into place, the student is significantly behind." Parents should seek a second opinion if the professionals involved are unwilling to support the child’s documented needs.

Parents with concerns about their children often hear daunting clichés. Among them: "All kids do that…She’ll grow out of it…That kid just needs a spanking." These statements can shake parents’ confidence. Carol Denzinger, an Aurora Schools special education coordinator, explains, "Parents should follow their instincts. It is better to discuss concerns with professionals than to wait while a child falls behind."

As a result of focusing on a child’s problems, parents sometimes feel hopeless about their child’s future and worried that the child may not master necessary academic and social skills. It becomes extremely important to consider a child’s strengths.

Pediatric neuropsychologist Gerry Taylor, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, says, "Tests are best at assessing what children have learned. They can also help determine the sorts of difficulties that children may face. But tests can’t really assess a child’s potential. There are many important characteristics that contribute to success. What children will actually be able to accomplish depends on how they learn along the way and respond to challenges, the supports they receive, and their ability to compensate for any weaknesses and maximize their strengths."

Katie Wetherbee is co-owner of HOPE Mentoring, a parent-mentoring firm that provides support and information to parents and schools working with special needs children. Katie is the mother of a special needs child and lives with her family in Chagrin Falls. For more information, call (440) 247-0083 or visit www.hopementoring.com.