OFM_PARENTING_GUIDE_721 - FINAL_Pages 6 / 24 / 21 11 : 12 AM Page 9 ? helping S to forge a more inclusive world chip away at stig - P HANDS mas and leave a more accommodating world in E their wake one effort at a time , albeit slowly , par - C ents who’ve had to be tougher and fight harder I for their children can take heart in knowing that A they’re not alone . L No one understands the ups , the downs and N the unique challenges and rewards of raising a E child who requires a little more patience and un - E derstanding than the caregivers and professionals D who comprise the backbone of their support net - work . And tapping into those resources for mutual S support can provide some relief for moms and dads who are ready to ask for help . The Florida Department of Health lists a range of programs and hotlines for people with disabilities and their parents at FloridaHealth.gov , which can be found under its “ Programs & Ser - vices ” drop - down menu . The compiled informa - tion offers everything from advice in choosing health care providers familiar with and sensitive to the needs of children with physical and devel - opmental disabilities to direction on how to re - quest special - needs sheltering in times of emer - gencies . Additionally , the state health department’s Special Needs Bright Expectations website is a portal to finding evaluation services , family support programs and Parents of neurodivergent and disabled children are not resources to help health care providers better un - alone in their joys and struggles . derstand how to treat patients with special needs . Support groups and programs , either in - per - B Y M A D E L E I N E M A C C A R son for those who miss the warmth of human connection or digital for those who aren’t quite ready to return to pre - COVID levels of interac - tion , are a good place to start for parents who are heaped - on emotional weight . emotionally struggling , or who want to use their No two children are the same and no diagnosis But , of course , it makes the highs even better . experiences and knowledge to help new parents manifests in the same ways , as parents of children Defying the odds to reach seemingly impossible navigate the journey ahead . Nonprofits , medical with special needs know well . milestones , the spark of new friendship animating services and even social media all facilitate gath - As if parenting weren’t already fraught with a child who’s used to feeling left out , the oppor - erings among likeminded parents . doubt , worry and frustration , the added stressors tunity to forget about the tough days for a while The Agency for Persons with Disabilities of tirelessly advocating for a neurodiverse or dis - and live in the moment of one beaming smile or ( ADP ) partners with private providers to assist abled child in order for their needs to be satis - peal those with developmental disabilities and their fied — in school , at the doctor’s , on vacation , or of laughter — in a challenging journey , every families , and also provides assistance in identifying anywhere requiring additional accommodations victory is an amplified joy . an individual’s need for support and service . APD for a child’s safety and comfort — can feel like As awareness initiatives and increased efforts Choosing the right health care provider for a special needs child Doing a little bit of research goes a long way , and it goes beyond casually scrolling eyond the specialists or a dedicated medical team , neurodivergent and through reviews . Don’t be afraid of directly calling a medical office to find out if a doctor disabled children still have the same basic health care needs as their peers . But has experience with your child’s diagnosis or if they know the unique symptoms that may how do you know a dentist , eye doctor or pediatrician can deliver the special - B develop in conjunction with a certain condition . ized care , attention and understanding your child needs ? Bedside manner is important , too , though a little more challenging to pin down . This Unfortunately , some of that onus falls on the caregiver , like knowing that Down syn - is where a community of parents can be of particular help , specialists can offer guidance , drome affects the eyes ’ development in such a way that their child is at increased risk for or a related nonprofit might be able to point you toward a trusted provider or even part - becoming an adult with ocular diseases ranging from malformed tear ducts to cataracts nered service . that can significantly impair their vision . Or that children with autism are more susceptible Of to gastrointestinal issues than their neurotypical peers . course , each child is different , so a doctor who comes highly recommended by It’s not just knowing how one diagnosis can lead to other health issues , though ; it’s other parents might not be the best fit for your child . There is some trial and error , but also managing their sensitivities and triggers finding the doctor who can ensure that your child is getting the care he or she needs in an so they can have a thorough examination or environment that makes the inherent discomfort of routine exams and preventative mea - undergo preventative treatments without incurring new injuries born of a meltdown that sures is the proverbial spoonful of sugar that helps make the medicine more palatable . could have been avoided with the right approach . ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM july 2021 ORLANDO FAMILY 41