PARENTING Your Role as Advocate

Assessments, doctors, specialists, and treatment regimens — parents of a special-needs child must navigate a complicated world. It can be daunting, but experts say two principles can ease the process.

Advocate For Your Child

1The first principle you should heed is advocating for your child. As parents, you need to be your child’s first and foremost case managers.

You know your child best. Trust your instincts; be empowered to help your child in any way you see fit.

Once your school-aged child with special needs is identified and assessed, make sure an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is established by the school — and followed.

Special-needs children should be placed in classes that factor in their developmental age, not just their physical age or aptitude for a particular subject matter. An 8-year-old with the cognitive or social-emotional development of a 4-year-old will not thrive in a typical classroom. He or she may struggle interacting with classmates and may not be able to participate equally.

Seek A Second Opinion

future. A future where your child lives an independent adult life, if possible. Seeking a second opinion can clarify, complement or even contradict your child’s initial diagnosis and determine what next steps should be. Even if you love and trust your pediatrician, a second assessment of your child from a different provider will give you more knowledge and peace of mind that you are doing what’s best for your child.

But, keep in mind that a single doctor’s visit is merely a snapshot in time. A special-needs child — especially one on the autism spectrum — may mask his or her behavior at a doctor’s visit. He or she may manage very well for the visit and then come home and have a meltdown. Home is the place where he or she feels safest to “shed the mask” and be his or her authentic self.

Additional Tips

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The other principle that may help parents of a special-needs child is attaining a second opinion.

Do not be afraid to ask for what you think is best for your child, even if it conflicts with a professional’s suggestion. This is your child’s development and

Know your limitations and enlist support as needed. Advocating for a child with special needs can be demanding, so know your strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge your weaker areas and find others who can help support you in them. Bringing in other experts shows you have support and a community behind you. Together, you are a force (a kind, thoughtful and civil force, but a force nonetheless) to be reckoned with.

Know your rights. Special-needs children have rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, schools are legally required to provide your child with appropriate and adequate instruction, as well as any necessary accommodations.

Investigate. Asking questions is the key to your child’s welfare. Thoughtful questions show teachers, administrators, doctors, and therapists that you are fully invested in your child’s care.

Do not abdicate your power. Your child is most comfortable with you and spends more time with you than anyone else, which means you see your child in more situations than anyone else, so trust your understanding of your child and protect your power as the expert.

Develop meaningful relationships with the teachers and professionals in your child’s circles. Get to know them. This helps create a united front where everyone on your child’s support team has his or her best interests at heart. Communication also assures you are all in agreement on the best course of action, setting your child up for success!

Summer is of course the time when our beaches are the busiest. Our hope is that this brief summary of some of our safety measures will alert residents and visitors alike to ways in which they can participate in our mission of keeping our waters safe.

To quote the great Nat King Cole, Roll out those lazy hazy crazy days of summer, those times of soda and pretzels and cheer. And stay safe.

Even though the monster north and west swells are taking a summer vacation, this is the season for South Shore swells and for Easterly trades. Also, whether or not there are huge swells there are always rip currents, and these are notorious for pulling people out of their comfort zone. So, please remember our safety principles, some of which are as follows:

We strongly recommend you swim where you can see a lifeguard (i.e. where he or she can see you).

Never for a moment take your eyes off your young children.

By Monty Downs, M.D. Former President, Kaua’i Lifeguard Association

THINK BEFORE YOU GO OUT. Take several minutes on the beach — as every expert surfer does — to observe the day’s currents, conditions, and rock hazards. Talk with others on the beach who may understand things that you don’t.

WHEN IN DOUBT, DON’T GO OUT.

If you do get pulled out beyond your comfort zone by a rip current, DO NOT PANIC. Relax; go with the flow (even though it feels scary to be going further out); wave calmly with an arm for help and let help come to you.

Thank you to Kauai Family Magazine for giving me the opportunity to write this contribution. And to all of you who read this: Have a fun and safe summer!

Lifeguarded Beaches

Haena Beach: Northshore, Haena

Hanalei Pavillion: Northshore, Hanalei

Hanalei Bay Pine Trees: Northshore, Hanalei

Kee Beach: Northshore, Haena

Anahola Beach: Eastside, Anahola

Kealia Beach: Eastside, Kapa’a

Lydgate Beach: Eastside, Wailua

Poipu Beach: Southshore, Poipu

Salt Pond Beach: Westside, Hanapepe

Kekaha Beach: Westside, Kekaha