Often articles about special needs focus on education or daily living ideas at home. What happens when a child with special needs grows up?
Obviously, this question can have many answers. It depends on the child, the family, the type and extent of the disability, and opportunity. Nonetheless, parents want to know: What should we expect? What should we be doing right now?
Let's use the discussion board this week to talk about the experience of parents whose children are adults (who just happen to have a special education need) and the experience of parents who are currently raising children with special needs.
The discussion may include (but certainly would not be limited to):
- Postsecondary education or training is the topic of a previous article.
- Work
- Sheltered workshops
- Socialization
- Independent skills
- Living alone
- Group homes
- Travel
- Dating and marriage
- Having children
- Religious activity
- Finances
- Health issues
- Insurance
- Communication
- Self-concept
- Interaction with siblings
- Leisure activities
- Daily living skills
- Public transportation
- Relationship with siblings
- Relationship with extended family
- Diet
- Exercise
- Fun
- Personal safety
- Pets
- Assistive devices
- Hospitalization
- Mental health
- Parents' health
- Living at home
What would you like to discuss on this topic? What organizations or books have been particularly helpful? Would you (parents of grown children) do anything differently? What are the things that you wish someone would have told you?
Parents of younger children - What concerns do you have that are not on my list? What things are working well for you? Are there any things that you are trying that are considered new or innovative that you would like to share?
Lynn
