re: Any special needs parents here in the OT? ADMIN NEEDED

I do not have special needs kids, but I am a behavior analyst who works with special needs kids (primarily Autism). First, I would say find a support group. If you search facebook, there are usually ones specific to your area. This can be huge as it's a community of people who have gone through what you are going through and more important can understand what you are going through better than those in your life without a special needs kiddo.

One thing to prepare for is your milestones and normal will be different from all the people around you. I think this is what I see my parents struggle with the most. Everyone around them is celebrating thier kid making the honor roll, or making the team etc.... they are celebrating things like finally being potty trained, or being able to communicate something new at age 10. Again, having a group of people who are going though that around you will be huge!!

I have worked and spent a lot of time with people with down syndrome in a variety of settings and can say that while they have and provide a number of challenges, they are truly some of the happiest people I have ever met. They have a joy about them and an enthusiasm for each day that I honestly envy. Soak that in!! You're kiddo is and is going to be amazing!!