As mothers, we know our children best. Period. We know whether they’re just tired or they’re sick. We know if they need a snack or some cuddles. As moms to children with special needs, we are even more in tune with our children’s needs. Do they need a weighted vest or do they need a crash pad? Compression or to jump on a trampoline? A squeeze hug or a chewing toy.
From the time A-Man was two I knew something was going on. He wasn’t just “picky” or “defiant”. He didn’t choose to not talk because he was spoiled. But his Dr. wouldn’t believe me. “If you made him talk, he would talk” or “If you didn’t give in he’d eat other foods” she would tell us.
Except he wouldn’t. She suggested that we offer him a food he refused (pasta) for dinner, and if he refused, give him nothing else until he gave in and ate the pasta. Even if that wasn’t until dinner the next night.
Then again with Baby M, we knew something was wrong. He wouldn’t take a bottle, he had no interest in foods, he wasn’t hitting his milestones, and we were told that it was because he was a preemie and he would catch up.
Except he didn’t. He didn’t catch up. He didn’t start to eat. He didn’t take his bottles. Again and again we were told that it was our parenting that made our kids the way that they were.
And I had to fight.
Fight for Referrals
We had to fight for referrals to therapy. First A-Man was referred to speech therapy, and from there occupational, and *eventually* to a neurodevelopmental pediatrician.
Baby M only got his referral to occupational therapy after 15 phone calls, three office visits, and one letter from the occupational therapist. From there we got referrals to speech therapy, physical therapy, a gastroenterologist, and a developmental pediatrician.
Fight, mama’s. Our kids need it.
Fight for Recognition
A-Man’s first diagnoses were dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder, which are both ignored completely by the state and school district. If he were in the public school, the only assistance he would be eligible for is 15 minutes of speech therapy for a speech delay.
We’re currently fighting for an official diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder which is recognized by the state and school district, but we’re also fighting for recognition of all special needs and disabilities.
Fight for Support
This one was the hardest for me. I like to think that I have everything all together and I hate for anyone to go out of their way for me or my family. The thing is, our kids don’t just need the support, they deserve it. And so do we.
We deserve to feel welcome in our churches and small groups and playdates. We deserve to play at the park and go to the museum and the zoo just as much as every other family.
Asking for a movie theater to feature a sensory friendly movie occasionally isn’t asking too much. Asking for parks that are accessible to children of all abilities isn’t asking too much.
Our kids deserve support and love as much as every child.
Mama, I wish I could tell you that this fight gets easier, but I’m still fighting. Fighting with a school system that either expects too much or too little. Fighting to continue the therapies my kids need. Fighting to help them be included and make friends.
The fight doesn’t end, but we have kids worth fighting for.
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People don’t want to deal with what they don’t understand. I may get supports from resource, but I’m still bright enough for honors classes. People don’t understand that. A-Man (I’m sure) is a sweet, bright kid that’s wired differently and is not just “spoiled” or “defiant”. People don’t understand that. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, is entitled to basic human rights. Sadly, people don’t understand that. We’ll make them understand and we’ll do whatever it takes.
P.S. I’ve never really seen a dyspraxia or SPD awareness ribbon or any fictional representation of the disorders. Let’s fight for it!
Anna you are so right! He is a bright, sweet boy and he just can’t communicate what he knows as effectively. Congrats to you for being in honors classes, I always had so much fun in those!
I totally agree, I’ve thought about writing some books featuring kids with varying abilities. There’s a real need for it!
I had a very similar experience with physicians telling me it was all in our parenting. It was such a relief finally getting a referral and having the child psychologist sitting across from me telling me that yes this wasn’t normal and it wasn’t my fault. I was so thankful to finally have help for our daughter, but it was a fight to get there!
Isn’t it so frustrating when Dr’s don’t “believe” in SPD? It’s a disorder for a reason! I’m so glad that you found the right person to listen to you. Way to fight for your little girl!
As parents we have to fight for our kids. It isn’t always easy. Sometimes we feel like maybe we’re wrong — so many people like to tell parents with special needs “it’s just a phase” or “they’ll outgrow it.” So important to go with your gut as a parent. And then, unfortunately, we often have to fight to get the help our children need and deserve.
Pinned and stumbled.