One phrase you might run into often if your child has health and medical issues is “special needs.” But what might that mean specifically? There are a lot of health conditions that fall under the category of special needs. These are just a few of the types of issues your child and other special needs children might be facing on a daily basis.
Medically Fragile Children
Children who have health issues are among the ranks of special needs children. Those medical issues can range from childhood cancers to birth defects and other diseases, like diabetes. There’s an awful lot that a medically fragile child might be dealing with all at once. That can put quite a bit of stress on the entire family.
Neurodiversity Challenges
Challenges faced by special needs children aren’t all medical in nature, though. Some involve difficulties due to neurodiversity, which means that the child’s brain functions differently than a neurotypical brain does. Some of these diagnoses might include something like ADHD or Tourette’s syndrome. Having a little more time to process information and to learn certain tasks can help a lot.
Developmental Disabilities
Developmental and intellectual disabilities are another type of issue that special needs children might face. These include conditions like Down syndrome or autism, which is also a neurodiversity issue. Developmental disabilities affect each child differently and may occur along with other health issues, too.
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, can also occur with other health issues and developmental difficulties. Children may need extra help with communication or just extra time to sort out instructions. Having help at home as well as at school can help children learn coping strategies. Very often parents learn about learning disabilities when their child goes to school, which can feel as if the diagnosis is a little “late.”
Mental Health Challenges
Mood swings, depression, and anxiety can also go hand in hand with a lot of medical and emotional challenges. Children with special needs may need extra help with regulating emotions, especially in cases of neurodiversity and developmental disabilities. Dealing with health issues as a child is emotionally taxing.
Pediatric home care may be an option for the special needs children in your life. They can help your child at school and at home, making difficult tasks a lot easier to manage. If your child has medical equipment or needs specific medical procedures handled throughout the day, this is an excellent solution.
If you or someone you know needs Pediatric Home Care in Blaine, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.