Your Child's Voice : A Caregiver's Guide to Advocating for Kids with Special Needs, Disabilities, or Others Who May Fall Through the Cracks

It can be overwhelming and scary for parents to not only find out what is wrong with their child, but also get the treatment and support needed. This process can take years, with parents growing increasingly frustrated, as their child's case appears to be falling through the cracks. Many parents find it intimidating dealing with medical professionals who seem to speak a different language. 'Your Child's Voice' will empower parents of children with mild to moderate disabilities be the voice for their child. Too often parents are left on their own trying to navigate a complex system of diagnosis and treatment for children with special needs – especially children with less obvious needs. Drawing on the author's experience as a patient advocate and ongoing journey of getting support for her own son, this book will include personal stories of fighting to ensure his file didn't get lost in the system, the challenges of getting support in school, getting the tests needed in a timely manner as well as exercises and checklists to help caregivers prepare for appointments and ask for help. "Learn to advocate (successfully) for your kid! Every parent wants their kids to be ahead of the game and have the advantages perhaps they didn't have. But it's all-too-common story for parents and caregivers - especially those caring for kids with special needs or disabilities who don't carry the more common labels (autism, ADHD) that they are often left navigating the system and fighting to get the support needed. Navigating a complex system of diagnosis and treatment for children with special needs, especially children with less obvious needs, can be a lonely and frustrating endeavor. Your Child's Voice will empower parents and caregivers of children with mild to moderate disabilities to be the voice for their children, and advocate for them the best they can."--Provided by publisher Books on the market are aimed mostly at children with specific conditions such as autism. There is much support and literature available for caregivers of children with the common diagnosis. However, a large void remains in helping caregivers of children with the less common labels. This book will include interviews with teachers and doctors, providing their insight on challenges they see, and advice for caregivers to ensure readers’ children receive the support they need. In addition to writing, the author has spent many years speaking at conferences and as a corporate trainer so this combined with personal experience advocating for her son means she will be a great promoter of her own work.