When I first heard about a Parent Support Group, my response was: "thanks but no thanks. My son needs help, not me. I don't need a box of tissues."
What I didn't realize is that the Parent Support Group is a gold mine of local information. Here's some of the info I found out by attending a group meeting:
1. What local therapists are good, and which ones to avoid
2. Which schools/teachers are most effective
3. Further insurance coverage I didn't even know I had
Here's how you can find your local support groups:
1. Contacting Early Intervention
2. Checking yahoo groups
3. Contact the special needs director for your school district
When you call, you want to keep it really simple. In the beginning, I really struggled with condensing what I told people about my son and what I was looking for. So in case you are in that spot too, here is a sample script:
"Hi, my name is _____ and I'm a Mom to a small child with delays. I just have one specific question for you: I would like to connect with other parents of special needs kids. Do you have any info on parent support groups in the area? or playgroups? Any direction you can give me would be helpful."
Posts
