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Finding Out
"My heart sees no differences between us,
my eyes and ears delight in them" ~ Ron Taylor, father and author of The Flowering of a Child with Disabilities Hearing the words "your child has a disability" for the first time can have a profound affect on parents, caregivers and other family members. Conflicting emotions from fear to hope, from initial denial to emerging acceptance, from helplessness to empowerment, from self-pity to a sense of enrichment often follow the diagnosis as parents rise to challenge of providing for their child with special needs. Adjusting to your new reality is a process, one that you will visit from time to time as your child progresses from infancy, to early childhood, through the school years and in to adulthood. As you adjust, we hope that you and your family begin to recognize that having a disability is another way that we all differ from each other. Children with disabilities are children first: they need to love and be loved and they hold the promise of future gifts to share. While your child will have areas of deficits that need to be adequately addressed, it will be equally as important to work on further expanding your child's abilities. To help him or her develop their unique personality, with interests, humor, and dreams, that can be nurtured and built upon. The first few years of life is the optimal time to take action, access resources and therapeutic strategies to help your child develop to his or her fullest potential. Much progress has been made in developing and implementing effective early intervention programs that can greatly enhance the quality of your child's life and reduce stress on the family. There are agencies, school systems, and practitioners who can help you and your child. Joining a support group or seeking out other parents to share experiences with can be crucial in your journey as a parent of a child with a disability. New, and often lasting relationships will form as you network and befriend others. Initially, you may be the one asking for help; eventually you may reach out to others who will benefit from your experience. We urge you to refer to our Support Groups listing under the Resources section of this website as your first step in getting connected to others parents of children with disabilities. No doubt you will hear from other parents that raising a child with a disability is challenging. There is a tremendous learning curve for both you and your child in these early years. But like many parents, you will find that you can rise to the challenges; that you can grow beyond your own expectations. You will have your ups and downs: your disappointments and your celebrations. And, all along, you will parent your child to the very best of your abilities. You can take action now in your new role by learning all you can about your child's special needs and contacting resource providers and support service agencies. We hope you find that this website is helpful to you as you seek services for your child and information to help you gain a better understanding of your child's disability. Please refer to our Infants and Toddlers page and our Resources page for more information and support services listings. 
Maryland Resources
Community Connections This project at the University of Maryland is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help facilitate the participation of children with disabilities in community settings. The goals of the project are to increase opportunities for young children with special needs to participate in the community; promote awareness of persons with disabilities and provide support to people and organizations. The project offers resources for families and community, business and spiritual leaders; networking opportunities, training and technical consultation, and support for families. Maryland Education and Day Care Resources for People with Disabilities This page of the Learning Independence Through Computers website provides a listing of a day care programs and schools for young children with developmental disabilities. Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program/Family Support Network: Birth through Age 5 (800) 535-0182; (410) 767-0261 Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program is a free service to State residents. Provides assessment and intervention services for children ages 0-5. The Preschool Program provides special instruction and related service to children ages 3-5 who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Through 24 school districts in the state, the program ensures a Free and Appropriate Public Education for these children, at no cost to families. Services are provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Visit the website for detailed information on this vital program. Montgomery County Special Needs Library 301-897-2212 Publications and resources of help to families of children with special needs. Offers a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles of general interest in large type or on audio cassettes for persons with visual impairments. Books and other items from the Special Needs Library can be requested for pickup at your nearest branch library. Located in the lower level of the Davis Branch Library on Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda (near Montgomery Mall). Library is closed on Sundays. Office for Genetics and Children with Special Health Care Needs Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (800) 638-8864; (410) 767-5300 Provides specialty services and care coordination for children with complex medical conditions. Services are provided to children with diverse medical needs throughout the State. Partners for Success: Resource Centers for Families and Schools (800) 535-0182; (410) 767-0261 Twenty-six parent and information training centers throughout the State are staffed by educators and parents to provide information on programs and services for individuals with disabilities, ages birth through twenty-one. Each center offers workshops and a lending library. There is a center in each local school district as well as centers located at the Maryland School for the Deaf and the Maryland School for the blind. Call the phone number above to get the location of the center nearest you. Parents Place of Maryland/Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) 410-766-4300/4400 A statewide, parent-directed resource center whose sole purpose is to enhance the ability of all individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in the home, school and community. There are regional offices to serve the needs of parents in different locations throughout the state of Maryland. 
National Resources
The Beach Center on Families and Disability (785)-864-7600 This federally funded center was established to conduct research, to offer training and technical assistance and to disseminate information on issues relating to families who include children of any ages with a disability. Bridges4Kids This website provides timely, useful information as possible to both parents and professionals regarding parenting concerns, child development, children with special needs, disabilities, and those who are at-risk. Comfort Connection Telephone: 714-558-540 Toll Free: 1-888-FRC-BABY Fax: (714) 542-5634 Email: ccfrc@comfortconnection.org For families of children with special needs, a place for parents to come and make that much-needed connection to other parents who are involved in the enormous task of caring for a child who is born medically at risk or with a disability. This site has information, links, books, videos and resource materials. This is a California based site Developmental Delay Resources (301) 652-2263 Provides a quarterly newsletter, New Developments: New Angles on Developmental Disabilities. Promotes nutritional and sensory interventions for children with developmental disabilities. Do2learn This website offers printable flash cards, calendars, schedules and more as well as activity ideas and "fun stuff" to promote independence and learning for children with special needs. Exceptional Parent Magazine (201) 489-4111 A print and online magazine providing information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. Family Village A global community offering disability related resources. Fathers Network Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website was designed specifically to provide support to fathers of children with disabilities. The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (301) 656-2667 Founded by professionals from a wide range of disciplines who work with children with developmental and learning disorders and their families. Provides videotapes, books and conferences on issues relating to early identification, interventions and research. Internet Resources for Special Children The IRSC is a web directory of Internet resources focusing on disabilities and other health-related disorders. The site lists information about adaptive equipment, specific disabilities, news media and statistics, and much more. Parents Helping Parents A nonprofit organization that is dedicated to strengthening the skills and resolve of parents and caregivers so that they are empowered to access the services their child with special needs requires. The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities National information and referral center providing information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators and other professionals. A comprehensive website, publications and support services are offered including referrals for specific disabilities, early intervention, special education, family support, and more. Unlocking Autism - Parent to Parent Network A national and international network of parents and professionals to assist parents of newly diagnosed children with autism in finding available resources and support in their immediate area. Website provides the ability to access a UA representative in your state. Zero to Three 1-800-899-4301 National nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers. Offers an array of publications and a newsletter. Sponsors an annual conference. 
Publications
Assessing and Treating Infants and Young Children with Severe Difficulties in Relating and Communicating Published by: Zero to Three, 1997 This publication will help practitioners and parents treat and understand young children diagnosed with Multisystem Developmental Disorder (MSDD), Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) and Autistic Disorder. Offers practical strategies from a range of disciplines on how to work with families, engage young children and connect them to others, address sensory processing deficits and design a therapeutic "village." Suitable for professionals and parents. Basics for Parents: Your Child's Evaluation Published by NICHCY (see listing above) The Purpose of Evaluation: Finding Out Why. This article is published by NICHY and is about using evaluation when your child is having trouble at school, to determine if your child has a disability, or what kind of assistance or supports would best meet their needs Changed by a Child: Companion Notes for Parents of a Child with A Disability By Barbara Gill, 1997 A collection of brief inspirational essays and stories that describe the inner needs and range of issues of parents of children with disabilities. Children with Disabilities: Fourth Edition Edited by Mark L. Bathshaw, M.D. (1997) Reference guide offering clear, comprehensive coverage of genetics, heredity, pre- and post-natal development, specific disabilities, family roles, and intervention. The Child with Special Needs: Encouraging Intellectual and Emotional Growth By Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., Serena Wieder, Ph.D. (1998) A comprehensive approach to developmental challenges including autism, PDD, language and speech and language problems, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD and other related disorders. Early Intervention Brookes Publishing: (800) 638-3775 A catalog of tools, curricula and books addressing the needs of infants, toddlers and young children with disabilities. Early Intervention Dictionary By Jeanine G. Coleman, MEd (1999) This little book defines hundreds of medical, therapeutic and educitional terms commonly used in the early intervention field. Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help By Lynn M. Hamilton (2000) A comprehensive guidebook discussing the variety of treatments and interventions for children with autism. National Down Syndrome Congress: New Parent Packet (800) 233-1234 NDSC provides a number of pamphlets for parents of newborns who have Down Syndrome. Publications can be down loaded or ordered in print form. Nonfinite Loss and Grief: A Psychoeducational Approach By Elizabeth J. Bruce, Ph.D. (2001) Written for professionals, this book discusses leading theories on loss and how the grieving and therapeutic processes for dealing with nonfinite loss (e.g., disability, chronic illness) differ from finite loss (e.g., death). A Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Toward a Brighter Future, Revised Edition By Siegfried M. Pueschel, M.D., Ph.d., J.D., M.P.H., and invited contributors (2001) This easy-to-read reference highlights developmental stages throughout the lifespan and shows recent advances that can improve a child's quality of life. The Parent to Parent Handbook: Connecting Families of Children with Special Needs By Betsy Stantlli, M.Ed., Florene Stewart Pyadue, M.A. & Jane Leora Young (2001) Provides the basics for setting up successful parent-to-parent programs. Resource Guide: Selected Early Childhood, Early Intervention Training Materials Written, audio and video resources for early childhood providers and their families. Rich in multicultural and family-centered materials. Special Children, Challenged Parents By Robert A. Naseef, Ph.d. (2001, rev.) Dr. Naseef is both a psychologist and father of a child with autism who shares insights in to the challenges and blessings of raising a child with a disability. When Your Child Has a Disability Edited by Mark L. Batshaw, M.D., (2001) This book is an easy-to-read guide and a resource for helping parents meet the demands of raising a child with a disability. Woodbine House: Special Needs Collection (800) 843-7323; (301) 897-3570 A collection of more than 60 books on specific disabilities and related topics. |
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