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Five ways to power your parental intuition.
Family Matters
5 WAYS TO POWER YOUR PARENTAL INTUITION
A parent’s “spidey sense” kicks in when something is not right. Here are five key ways to convert the spidey sense into action.
1. THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM. Parents are usually the first to notice early developmental delays in their child. Talk to your pediatrician right away and insist on getting testing done. Early diagnosis means early intervention and early access to resources. 2. EVERYONE SERVES A DIFFERENT MASTER (EXCEPT YOU). Most providers focus on optimizing the resources and finances for their schools or clinics. Your child is just one among many needing support. You need to advocate for everything your child deserves, and you have a voice — a parent is an ‘expert’ under the law. 3. IF YOU WANT A THING DONE WELL, DO IT YOURSELF. A child spends 60% of their time in your care, much more than at school or therapy. Nowadays, pediatric professionals are accessible online (virtually), and you can get self-help lessons to help your child at home. 4. GET A SECOND OPINION. Reach out to parent mentors who have been in your shoes before to discuss your concerns and get qualified guidance based on real experiences. You can also get a quick consult with online professionals. Get a second opinion on any proposed education plans. 5. SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE OIL: If you don’t request a service, you won’t get it. Create the right negotiation and message with the help of parent mentors to get all the special needs resources your child deserves. Get loud.
Charu Ramanathan and Ketal Patel are the creators of Vitalxchange, an online community empowering parents with a parent mentor and professional ‘VitalGuides’ to support them at every step of their special needs parenting journey.