I have a special needs child 2 1/2 I get so frustrated sometimes Is it only me or are there others?

Question

She has a translocated X and 4 chromosome with genes missing. she is developmentaly delayed. and also has learning disabilities she cannot talk. her way of communicating is tantrums and crying. She gets so frustated sometimes she just shakes and bangs her fists. Its so frustrating for me too. I dont always know what she needs. It is so overwhelming raising a special needs child. I have friends and family but I feel like they cant truly understand because they have never been through this.

Answer 1

You are normal. Look for a support group in your area and make sure she is getting all the help she can. I think there are education programs for special needs children age 3 and up.  Give yourself a break! Parenting is never easy especially when you have a more challenging child.

Answer 2

I am sure this is a very tough and overwhelming time for you. Many parents with a special needs child really don't know where to start and can't really connect with their current friends and family about the issue. I think you should definitely tap into resources in your community and also try to get her into an early childhood program (your school district is required to find your child and give her the education she needs from birth, so that might be a good place to start). There will also be many community groups that not only will offer support, but also therapy, daycare and respite care (babysitting for when you need to go out), and social opportunities for your child.

My best advice is to get involved. Come to therapy sessions, talk to her teachers, learn new ways that you can help her at home. Behavior interventions (which she is probably going to need for her tantrums and crying) work best when they are being carried out both at home and at school. You can help her learn new behaviors so she gets what she wants without being so frustrated.

Another place that so many parents go for support is online (just like you're doing right now). Here is a whole list of chat and message board resources for you (they are categorized by disability, so look around, especially at the developmental disability ones).

http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/guide/dis...

Other parents can help you to figure out where to start and what questions to ask to hep your daughter have a successful life, much like any other person.

Answer 3

First, MOST 2-and-a-half-year-olds are frustrating, even if they're not developmentally delayed...so you're not alone.  My sister has a little girl who has down syndrome and can not talk (except for a few words) at four.  They have taught her a few signs, however, like drink, eat, all done, etc. and these do seem to help.

Talk to your local Intermediate School District (ISD) or whatever they call it in your state.  They can help assist you.

Answer 4

It can be frustrating.  You need to take a break and go out and do something you enjoy once in awhile.  That will help.  Or get in a support group with other people that have the same kind of problems.  Go to church because God gives us patience and love.

Answer 5

I agree with the other answerers and I just have one more thing to add.  Are you getting services (planning to enroll her) through the school system?  She should qualify to get into a pre-school for developmentally delayed kids.  This may take some of the burden off of you and give you some moral support from teachers and other parents.

She should have an Family Service Plan through your local social services department and they should at least plan for her transition to school services at 3.

If this sounds foreign to you, just email me.  I was always surprised to hear my students' parents say they didn't know classrooms were available to them as preschoolers.

Answer 6

My brother Jimmy is Autistic and can't speak, it's hard for me too and on my parents as he can't tell us how he's feeling and tends to hit out on my dad to take him for drives in the car. I know it's hard, it will get easier trust me, as they get older they realize that tantrums aren't the way to go and calm down. If you can't handle it, go and ask your doctor to put you on anti-depressants my mum takes Arapax, they help a lot. It's in their nature to play with their hands, you can't restrain them let them. I know how you feel about family and friends not knowing what your going through, when she starts going to a special school make friends with the other children's mother's will help. God has given you this child because he knows you will care for her and will love her unconditionally.