Replies

I think you are right about a lot of the parents of special ed kids have problems also.

The hard part is knowing what is best for your child. Even my husband and I disagree about what to do with our children. I don't personally know of one child (or parent of child) that has speech problems as severe as my daughter. There is an online group, but that is very different than having someone next door to talk to. It makes it very difficult to figure out how to handle situations like discipline.

I'll have to read that book. I haven't read it. Thanks for the recommendation.

I feel very sad for the children whose parents will not or cannot help them.

I actually do think my daughter will be okay. She may not go to college, but I really think she may. If not, then I will help her find something else productive to do.

I have a friend that I've known since we were 7 years old. She has severe handicapping arthritis, and she is legally blind. She has other problems with her kidneys, and I don't know what else. Well, she was always an honor roll student, and ended up going to college and getting a master's degree in speech therapy. She is now married. I haven't talked to her in a few years because she is in Texas and I am in Califoria. I know that she (and her mother) have been an inspiration to me, and I know the money the schools spent on her were well worth it.

My son has come a very long way and for the first time last year arrived at the "Within normal" range of acedemics. We have seen signs that he is a very intelligent person. However, he still is working at the other areas described in the book I mentioned. We are still reading the book but it is like they were in our house watching.
It's sad but there are some parents in the same posistion we are that are struggling with accepting the fact that their child is going to require additional effort to deal with. We have IEP meetings often and we are required to sign a statement every time that explains our rights as parents. We want what is best for our children. I think we are the best judge of that but I can't say that every parent is. If all you see is the weaknesses of your child, you will not see their strenths.

From the book - "Try to remember the golden principle - The more Authority you have, the less you will need to punish."

This is our experience with both of our children.