 Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability?
Special Needs - You the child
Special Needs - You the parent
Special need family safety links
Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability?
The birth of a baby is usually a time of celebration for all the family, and once a clean bill of health is given, the new parent can get on with the monumental and joyous task of bringing up their baby.
But what if the time comes when the thought creeps in that there may be something which is not quite right with their child? One mother told me that within days of her baby being born she sensed that there was something seriously wrong when her nursing infant did not search her face and try to make eye contact, as her other children had done. Yet other parents have told me that they only became concerned about their child when there were behavioural signs they did not understand, or their child did not reach expected developmental milestones.
Mothers have told me of their unease when it seemed that they were the only ones to be concerned about a particular aspect of their children's development or behaviour. For the hard-to-pacify baby, or the very unruly toddler, the finger of blame often points towards the mother, and for inexperienced parents it is all too easy to fall into the into the trap of thinking that it is their fault that their baby won't settle, or their child will not sit still or concentrate.
One startling fact is that whereas everyone shows sympathy for a child who has an obvious physical disability, compassion does not always come top of the list when a child has an invisible disability, since a hidden disability is one where a person does not look disabled, and outwardly appears to be perfectly okay. You may have found that ‘everyone' has become an expert on your child, and even perfect strangers will give ‘advice' with ‘be tougher' ‘be softer' or ‘you are an overanxious mother.' Thus adding to a parents burden by making them feel it must be their parenting which is in question, and something they are doing, or not doing, which is responsible for the signs which are causing concern.
So what are the most common ‘invisible' disabilities? Although the disorders themselves are not apparent, the symptoms which result from them are often highly visible, and because they are not always understood, they produce anxiety which gnaws away at a parent. So here is the list of the most common disorders, but keep in mind that each disability can range across a wide scale of intensity from mild to very severe and that to add to the confusion the symptoms of many of the disorders overlap with those of others: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Asperger Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Auditory Attention Problem, Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA), Dypraxia, Dyslexia (Specific Learning Difficulties), SEN (Special Educational Needs) or LD (Learning Difficulties), Depression, ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), and Tourette Syndrome.
All these names can be very confusing, and one of the reasons I wrote Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability? was to help parents understand what each disability involves. It is very important to keep in mind that all children are unique, and babies and young children develop at very different rates. Remember, too, that children can change very dramatically during those early years. It is often more difficult to understand what is happening when a child shows only some of the signs in a mild form, and the question arises again and again: is this a disability or not, and does my child need help? But remember, the range of disabilities is wide, and even though your child may show some signs of difficulty and struggle in one or more areas, this may well not point to a full-blown disability.
The key to understanding is to know when to look for help. There is only one guideline: it is when a parent thinks it is necessary, and if at your first port of call you are told you are ‘making a fuss' or that ‘boys will be boys' don't take ‘no' for an answer, and go on asking questions until you are satisfied. You will find that if you have a child with special needs you are likely to have a fight on your hands to get the help and support you, and your child, need.
For more details visit www.familyonwards.com
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Fledglings - Helping children to spread their wings
 Are you caring for a child with special needs?
Are you looking for resources that will help?
No time to look around?
Don't know where to start?
Then call Fledglings - we're here to help 01799 530412
The aim of Fledglings is to help parents/carers of a disabled child or a child with a special difficulty to find appropriate resources quickly and easily, thus maximising the child’s potential and giving the family more quality time together.
Fledglings helps families to find affordable solutions to practical problems. We work with a large number of companies and have access to a wide range of products; we can seek out attractive, child-friendly products which are not merely functional but address the needs of the child first.
We help parents with ideas for using products imaginatively in order to help their child to progress.
Fledglings is FREE to parents and carers. Products are supplied at very competitive prices.
Safety in the Home for parents with disabled children is a vast subject but will we can guide you in the appropriate direction. Safety tips will be provided on this site in due course.
‘If just one person had come to tell us that, despite our sadness, there was hope, that this was not the end of the world, but rather a challenge…’
When you first learn that your child has special needs, it may seem like the end of the world. You may experience a range of emotions – disbelief, despair, anger, guilt, shame, fear, rejection, protectiveness or sadness. How you feel will be very personal to you, depending on the many factors that make you a unique individual. Sometimes your partner or other family members may seem to react differently from you and you may feel very alone, afraid, confused and uncertain about the future. At times like this it is hard to feel positive or confident or to believe that you have the resources within yourself to cope. You may not remember things that you can do well, times when you have succeeded at tasks against all the odds. Try to share how you feel with those who you love and trust. Talking to close friends and family may help you to see the strengths that you have and to realise how much you have to offer your child, to whom you and your partner are the most important people in the world.
Becoming a parent is probably the most responsible job anyone ever undertakes - becoming a parent of a child with special needs is an extra challenge. You may need professional help, the support of other families and special information to rise to this challenge but, in time, you may be surprised at your own abilities and how much pleasure you find in being the parent of this ‘special’ child.
Remember that your child is a child first and foremost and needs all the love that any other child needs, and, like any other child may bring heartaches but also much joy.
Ruth Lingard – Fledglings Director
Here are some examples of difficulties for which Fledglings has found a solution:
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Can you help us find a bicycle suitable for my 7 year old son who has Down’s syndrome? He has poor balance and is also very weak as he is recovering from leukaemia.
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We are looking for some suitable bibs for a teenager who has cerebral palsy? Most bibs are so undignified for this age group.
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I have a son who is 8 and needs a buggy because of severe epilepsy. I now have a baby too but I can’t find a double buggy which is suitable for both. Can you help?
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My little girl has a medical problem which means she can’t get to the toilet on time. She is very self-conscious about her appearance and hates wearing nappies to school. Is there anything else you can suggest?
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We have a little girl in our play group who cannot stay sitting on her chair at break time, so she always ends up on the floor with her drink on top of her. Any suggestions?
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Our son is deaf and blind. Do you have any toys that will stimulate his other senses? |
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I think my son is dyslexic. Do you have any family word games which we can play at home to help us to help him?
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Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood International
DPPi is an organisation working with disabled parents.
DPPi offers a UK information service for parents and professionals on many aspects of disability in parents and the best practice for looking after children.
The service provides reference materials, practical information and shared experiences.
The DPPi also offers research and equipment reviews through their published journal. The journal contains personal experiences, research, publication and equipment reviews.
DPPi has covered a number of safety issues in the journal including:
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creating a safe play area
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accessible safety equipment
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getting out and about with your child
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Bottle feeding tips
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Successful breastfeeding when your disabled
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Kids talk; helping children come to terms with disability in parents
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To find out more you can go to the DPPi web site click here
Or watch this space where we will bring you regular safety issues relating to disabled parents.
To contact DPPi:
Write to: DPPi, National Centre for Disabled Parents, Unit F9, 89-93 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3JH.
Freephone: 0800 018 4730
Textphone: 0800 018 9949
Fax: 020 7263 6399
Email: dppi@eotw.co.uk
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Special need family safety links
affordable security products...
Peruse security and surveillance equipment, including black-and-white cameras, covert cameras, color and submergible cameras, and intercoms...
http://www.affordablesecurityproducts.com
America Links Up!...
America Links Up: A Kids Online Teach-In is a public awareness and education campaign sponsored by a broad-based coalition of non-profits, education groups and corporations concerned with providing ch...
http://www.americalinksup.com
ASSE The American Society of Safety Engineers...
ASSE The American Society of Safety Engineers...
http://www.asse.org
Baby and child safety...
Learn how to protect infants and young children from injury by reading this child safety book written by an emergency room doctor Mark Brandenburg...
http://www.babyandchildsafety.com
Baby guard...
It's our business to make your home safer for your children. We have included information to help make your home a more child safe...
http://www.babyguard.com
Blue Ridge Thunder!...
Operation Blue Ridge Thunder Crimes Against Children Task Force -- Fighting Child Pornography and other forms of Child Exploitation....
http://www.blueridgethunder.com
Case Breakers...
Case Breakers specializing in criminal records and background checks featuring state, county, warrant, and federal prison searches, secure online ordering and delivery, investigation links and more....
http://www.casebreakers.com
Cassie creations - Chomper...
The Romper Chomper is a soft safety item for shopping carts and highchairs....
http://www.cassiecreations.com
ChallengeNet!...
ChallengeNet offers virtual, website and list hosting for non-profit health disability related groups...
http://www.challengenet.com
Child Product Safety Recall Information Updates - ChildProductSafety.com...
Child Clothing - Child Safety Seats - Toys - Gym Sets, Swings & Playground Products - Furniture - Other Infant & Children Products - Recall Related Links - Strollers...
http://www.childproductsafety.com
Child Safety Products ----- child safety seats, car safety ----- child safe...
1st focus is a mail-order company providing quality products to reduce the risk of injury to children in and out of the home....
http://www.1stfocus.com
childalert - first for child safety and wellbeing...
childalert - first for child safety and wellbeing...
http://www.childalert.co.uk
Connecticut SAFE KIDS...
About Car Seat Information Coalition Contact Info. Crib Safety Family Safety Checklist Keep Kids Safe License Plate Links Newsletters Ê CTLA Helmet Progam...
http://www.ctsafekids.org
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety...
CARS is a national non-profit auto safety and consumer advocacy organization worging to save lives, prevent injuries and protect consumers from auto-related fraud and abuse....
http://www.carconsumers.com
Custom fitting protective headgear & hip protection...
epilepsy, helmet, protective headgear, brain surgery, seizures, elderly care, daycare safety, custom-fitted helmet, cranial surgery, hemophilia, hip surgery, cerebral palsy, Huntington’s chorea, ataxi...
http://www.plument.com
DaimlerChrysler's Fit for a Kid...
DaimlerChrysler's Fit for a Kid Child Safety Seat Program...
http://www.fitforakid.org
Danny Foundation...
The primary mission of the Danny Foundation is to educate the public about crib dangers and to eliminate the millions of unsafe cribs currently in use or in storage....
http://www.dannyfoundation.org
Defensive driving ...
Defensite driving ...
http://www.defensivedriving.com
Dog Tags:$6.99 Military Dogtag Sets...
Dog tags can identify and protect your family, your pets, and your things. We currently offer modern embossed ,vintage military stamped, and laser engraved dog tags....
http://www.dogtagsonline.com
Emergency Medical Identification Cards [EMIDC]...
The EMIDC is a customized health identification document that can be kept in ones wallet. Reasonably priced, this card could save your life or the life of your loved one. ...
http://www.emidc.com
Fight Crime...
A national anti-crime organization led by police chiefs, prosecutors, and crime survivors Crime-prevention programs win increases of over $2 billion! Download our new after-scho...
http://www.fightcrime.org
Fingerprint America's Child Safety Products...
Comprehensive, custom-imprinted, at-home child identification fingerprinting kits and safety products for parents, law enforcement, and educators...
http://www.fingerprintamerica.com
Gun Safety - K-12 Education Web Site! www.gunsafety.com...
Gun Safety - K-12 Education Web Site! www.gunsafety.com...
http://www.gunsafety.com
IDs n more...
Identification cards for children if the unthinkable happens. Vital information, photo, and health issues allergies. For safety and just plain adorable...
http://idsnmore.com
International Child Center ICC...
Protecting and educating the youth of the Internet community...
http://www.icc-911.com
Just About Me, childrens identification and fingerprinting & DNAÊ kits...
Childrens identification and fingerprinting kits for parents, volume discounts,custom imprinting, and child safety event planning...
http://www.justaboutme.com
Kid safe id - Free Child ID Cards provided from San Diego Based...
Kidsafe ID- providing free printable child ID cards for kids! Complimentary child ID cards, parents can choose, including 30 exclusive, kid-friendly design themes to customize a child ID and print it ...
http://www.kidsafeid.com
Kids Central Station ...
Kid Central Station provides a free nationwide emergency notification service for children that does not compromise their identity...
http://www.kidscentralstation.com
Kids in danger...
Kids in danger...
http://www.KidsInDanger.org
Kidz Printz: The Identification Kit Company...
Kidz Printz (member of global profiles incorporated) Canada's leader in children identification kits. Providing free identification kits for families. residents of canada. canada's most acclaimed cus...
http://www.kidzprintz.com
Klaaskids Foundation for Children...
Klaaskids is dedicated to stop crimes against children. Fingerprint your kids, check sex offender registries by state, help with what to do if your child disappears. ...
http://www.klaaskids.org
Less Stress...
CPR training and other safety courses - Play the CPR First Aid simulator!...
http://www.lessstress.com
Love & Safety Club For Children...
Teachers and Educators! Welcome to The Love & Safety Club for Children the most unique and innovative in-class safety education programs on the World Wide Web....
http://members.tripod.com/~duncanwells
McGruff the Crime Dog, child identification, fingerprinting, internet safet...
McGruff The Crime Dog, safe kids, child safety, I.D., identification, abduction, kidnapping, fingerprinting, Halloween safety, bicycle safety, Internet safety, senior safety, crime prevention...
http://www.mcgruff-safe-kids.com
Medic Alert Foundation-UK...
Medic Alert Foundation UK...
http://www.medicalert.co.uk
MedicAlert© Canada - Welcome Bienvenue...
A national registered charity providing emergency medical information and identification....
http://www.medicalert.ca
Med-Safe...
Med-Safe, a medical and personal safety representative company offering quality first aid and medical products for individuals and businesses, home health care providers, schools and medical offices...
http://www.med-safe.com
My Precious Kid - Children's ID cards and fingerprint kits! FREE SHIPPING!...
Personalized ID cards for children's and car seats keep children safe in a car accident! Is your child protected? Fingerprint kits protect families in an emergency! FREE SHIPPING!...
http://www.mypreciouskid.com
My rewards 4 life - Family First Recommends Sites And Resources...
Family First Is A Site Created By A Stay-At-Home Mom Recommending Sites And Resources That Includes Family Safety Products, Valuable Resources For Moms And Dads, Exciting & Interesting Opportunties...
http://www.freewebz.com/myrewards4life
mySafeFamily...
A Member Of Home Tools Safety Newsletters Recalled Product Listing Car Seat Installers Product Recalls Get Listing Search Safety Content Home Safety Outdoor Safety Car Safety Spruce up for Spring...
http://www.mysafefamily.com
National Center on Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities...
helping ensure that all individuals are included in the development of and inclusion in plans for protection from both natural and man-made emergencies....
http://www.disabilitypreparedness.com
National Crime Prevention Centre...
National Crime Prevention Centre...
http://www.crime-prevention.org
National Safety Council...
The National Safety Council is a membership organization with resources on safety, health and environmental topics, training, products, publications, news, and more....
http://www.crossroads.nsc.org
Net News for Families (parents, as well as teachers and educators)...
Net news for families and educators - weekly Internet news, profiles, and resources for parents and other caregivers of online kids. THE source for kids' safe, constructive use....
http://www.netfamilynews.org
NHTSA - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...
NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes....
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Non-Profit Charity to promote safety awareness...
Non-Profit Charity to promote safety awareness...
http://www.safeamerica.org
Occupational Safety & Health Administration - OSHA...
Occupational Safety & Health Administration - OSHA...
http://www.osha.gov
Office of the Arkansas Attorney General, Mark Pryor...
This comprehensive and informative site features news, consumer information, safety advice and other valuable resources from the administration of Arkansas Attorney General Mark Pryor....
http://www.ag.state.ar.us
Oregon District 1 ARES RACES-Emergency Communications-Public Service...
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, Oregon ARES RACES District 1, Public Service, Community Service, Missing Children, Portland Missing Children, Portland Handi Hams...
http://www.oregonaresd1.org
ParanoidSisters.com...
Keep your children safe with some child safety tips from the Paranoid Sisters, authors of the book Child Safety Made Easy....
http://www.paranoidsisters.com
Perils for Pedestrians...
A monthly television series promoting awareness of issues affecting the safety of people who walk. ...
http://www.pedestrians.org
Personalized Iron-On Clothing Labels, Name Tags, ID Products by IdentiFind...
Identification products (clothing labels, name tags, jewelry, ID cards), can help return lost children, and clothing at: camp, schools, nursing homes; and can provide medical information in case of em...
http://www.IdentiFind.com
Personalized Iron-On Clothing Labels, Name Tags, ID Products by IdentiFind...
Identification products safely return lost people, clothing, provide medical information in case of emergency...
http://www.IdentiFind.com
Protect yourself first ...
Provides child safety, identification, crime prevention and security products. Child ID kits, child ID cards, emergency medical ID cards, shoe ID and more! ...
http://www.protectyoursfirst.com
Reflections Safety Mirror...
These mirrors are the child safety products that no safety-conscious mother can do without! When you're shopping for child safety products or ideal baby shower gifts for friends, distant relatives or...
http://www.reflectionssafetymirrors.com
Safe Communities Foundation...
The goal of Safe Communities in Canada is to eliminate injuries. The Safe Communities Foundation promotes a culture of safety through the implementation of community programs and education....
http://www.safecommunities.ca
Safe Kids...
Get your car seat checked installed for free Check out other Injury Prevention Web sites Top Ten Mistakes Parents Make With Child Safety Seats Become a Member Oklahoma Safe Kids Coalition ...
http://www.oksafekids.org
Safe Kids Canada...
Providing information for Parents and Professionals on Child Safety...
http://www.safekidscanada.ca
Safe networg - awareness and family education networg...
Teaching kids and families about staying safe from sexual assault, exploitation or abduction by a registered sex offender, pedophile, neighbor or family member who would sexually molest, abuse...
http://www.safenetworg.org
Safe New Yorg...
ChildÊSafetyÊSeats, Kids Page, Partners Page, More Traffic Safety Topics... ÊÊ About GTSC...
http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us
Safe ride news - Family Health and Safety...
Family Health and Safety Information for Parents, Safety Advocates, and Health Professionals Ê NEW! Ê For your child's safety Protecting Children in Traffic Passengers in cars, vans, SUVs, and pickups...
http://www.saferidenews.com
Safe roads...
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety...
http://www.saferoads.org
Safety alerts...
Comprehensive product recalls and safety warnings...
http://www.safetyalerts.com
Safety at your feet...
This insole could save a child's life - or your own. Medical and Emergency Identification Systems for Children and Adults...
http://www.safetyatyourfeet.com
Safety Information for Business & Industry...
Safety Information for Business & Industry...
http://www.safetyinfo.com
Safety Link...
Brought to you by International Product Safety News...
http://www.safetylink.com
SentryKIDS Business Oppertunities in Electronic fingerprinting ID systems.Ê...
Sentry Technology, Inc.ÊÊThe Child ID Specialists "Success is measured by protecting one child at a time" ÊÊ Robert Waryga, President and founder Sentry Technology, Inc. is the leader in affordable f...
http://www.sentrykids.com
SOC-UM - Safeguarding Our Children - United Mothers...
Extensive resources on child sexual abuse prevention, internet crimes, sex offenders, offender registries...
http://www.soc-um.org
The National SAFEKIDS Campaign...
The National SAFEKIDS Campaign...
http://www.safekids.org
The National Safety Council...
The National Safety Council is a membership organization with resources on safety, health and environmental topics, training, products, publications, news, and more....
http://www.nsc.org
The Networg of Employers for Traffic Safety...
NETS is a public private partnership whose mission is to develop and implement traffic safety programs in the worgplace....
http://www.trafficsafety.org
Tinman Medical Identification...
Tinman Medical Identification, over 600 characters of YOUR medical information available to emergency personel when you can't speak for yourself....
http://www.tinman.com
UIUC DEHS Radiation Safety Section...
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Radiation Safety Section...
http://phantom.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad
Warning Signs of drugs, alcohol, gang violence for parents...
Warning Signs for Drugs, Alcohol and Gang Violence for Parents to help protect children who are exposed to threats to their well-being, personal safety and development....
http://www.warningsigns.info
Wdtn - What would your child do if they found a loaded gun?...
What would your child do if they found a loaded gun? Do you really think they'd leave it alone? What have you told your child to do? Learn how YOU can really keep your kids SAFE! ...
http://wdtn.com
We Are Here...
ENN is a 24-7 service that can identify children and notify their parents in an emergency. You may also order a FREE child fingerprinting video here....
http://www.wearehere.com
YourSafeChild.com, ChildPrint child identification kits & ID cards...
Essential, easy-to-use and affordable child safety identification products for parents, schools, businesses, and organizations...
http://www.yoursafechild.com
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