The field of mental health has come a long, long way from the dark, shameful days of its ugly historical past. There was a time when those with mental health disorders, even children, were outcast by society, shunned, and even physically assaulted and attacked. Instead of being approached with compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding, the mentally ill were confined to prison-like asylums and often kept in solitary confinement. Thank goodness those days are over!
Fast forward to today and society has a much better understanding of mental health disorders and how they impact those who suffer from them. Mental health professionals understand that mental health affects each individual differently, though there are often common symptoms and behaviors that patients may exhibit.
Today, mental health programs take a much different approach than the way mental health was viewed in past generations. By combining prescription medication, therapy, family support, and education, those who have mental health disorder can often lead normal, fulfilling lives.
This especially true when it comes to children with learning disabilities in school. Unfortunately, many public schools still have a long way to go in terms of special education programs. The public education system has a strong tendency to lump all children together, making difficult for all students involved. Even children without special needs may struggle to find the best way to learn and process information as all children learn differently. For children with learning disabilities, a public school environment can be especially difficult and even overwhelming!
Thankfully, there is plenty of help for children with learning disabilities in terms of different programs and schools for students with learning disabilities. Children with learning disabilities in school often find these special education schools to be extremely warm, welcoming, and even fun!
Compared to public schools, these schools take a much different approach, combining patience, understanding, and specific activities while providing structure and skill building. Children with learning disabilities in schools such as these often thrive and feel a sense of community by learning alongside children that are similar to them and that also understand their needs.
In addition to education at schools for children with learning disabilities, it’s important that parents reinforce these principles at home by understanding the ins and outs of their child’s special needs. Working with learning disabilities in the home is just as, if not more important, than the education that happens outside the home and in school. Here are a few ways parents can really connect and learn right alongside with their special needs children.
Keep a journal
Keeping a journal as a parent of a special needs child is a great way to look back on and understanding possible triggers, meltdowns, incidents, preferences, and more. After all, there’s so much going on in your own mind that it can be difficult to remember and keep track of everything on your own! A journal can be valuable tool in having a better understanding of your child’s special needs.
Exercise can be a great outlet
Exercise is a great way for children with special needs to release energy, whether it be angry, excitement, frustration, or just the need to play! It’s a fun, stimulating activity with a variety of different mental, physical, and emotional benefits. It’s a great way to bond with children and instill the importance of physical activity. By incorporating exercise into your child’s everyday routine, you’re setting them up for a healthy, successful life by creating the habit of viewing exercise as a fun, beneficial activity and not a chore.
Don’t forget about yourself
Practicing self care might seem a bit selfish but look at it this way; how can you properly care and provide for your family if you’re running on empty? They rely on you so it’s important to be the best version of you, and practicing self care is a great way to do that. Self care is an opportunity for you to take an adult time out and recharge your own batteries. Children with learning disabilities in school benefit from having an calm, energized, and relaxed parent at home.
