Last week we had the great fortune of having Lisa Mednick Owen* host a teleclass on what to do when you, or your child’s teacher, has concerns about your child’s behavior.
It is not uncommon for a parent to notice that their child behaves differently than other children in a playgroup or on the playground, or to hear from a teacher that “we have some concerns about your child because…….” During this workshop we discussed some solutions for parents who have that worry or concern, and were looking for guidance and support.
If you missed the class, you can go and listen to it here.
Also here are some of the highlights from the class:
- Trust Your Gut: You know your child best. If you think there may be a problem, but your pediatrician doesn’t, trust your instincts and do more investigation. Conversely, if a teacher has raised some issues, but you think their concerns don’t make any sense, look at the teacher and the school. Maybe that teacher, or that school, just isn’t the right fit for your child.
- If you think there may be some issues, focus on the least invasive investigations first. If your child is having a difficult time; look at some basic capacities first. Get a complete ear and eye exam from specialists, not your pediatrician. You would want to identify these problems early anyway, the tests are not intrusive on your child, and they are probably covered by insurance.
- If you need more information, start with the specialists that are most likely to be helpful for a young child. Certain therapies, like speech and language and occupational therapy, can have an impact at an early age. Conversely, it’s hard to get an accurate assessment of a young child through a neuropsychological exam before a child can sit for these tests and is expected to have some reading capacity.
- Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Be an active consumer. There is a lot of information and misinformation out there, and great variability in practitioners. If you suspect that your child needs some help, educate yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If your child’s teacher or school is not a good fit, look elsewhere.
- Finally, get support. Parenting a child who needs some extra help and resources may be different from parenting “typically developing” children. Look for educational opportunities, or join a support group of parents whose children have similar issues. It’s great to be able to share your fears and concerns, as well as your comic moments. Other parents are a tremendous resource.
Lisa was a corporate lawyer for 13 years, where she honed her communication and advocacy skills. She has been the leader and facilitator of a Learning Issues Support Group based in a mainstream New York City independent school for many years. As the parent of two ADHD children, she has become an expert in the resources, treatment and placement options available to children with issues, and the needs of parents for resources and support through the challenges of the diagnosis, education, treatment and remediation needs of such children.