Special Needs

Some things place a child at greater risk for special needs. Here are some risk factors to be aware of:

• Mother took drugs, drank alcohol, or smoked while pregnant.
• Child was born too early and/or has low birth weight.
• Mother and child have poor eating habits.
• Violence in the local area or home.
• Family stress that can be caused by situations like poor housing or homelessness.

Children with special needs are different in the way they develop and act. As your newborn grows, watch for early signs that your child may need extra help.

Up to 6 Months

• Doesn't coo or smile.
• Doesn't react to loud noises or turn head to follow sounds and voices.
• Has difficulty holding head up by 3 months.
• Has difficulty following objects or people with eyes.
• Arms or legs are stiff and posture is floppy or limp.

6 Months to 1 Year

• Has trouble figuring out simple things like finding an object after seeing it be hidden.
• Has problems responding when being called from across the room, even when it involves something interesting.
• Has difficulty sitting, standing up, reaching for objects, or picking up objects, and doesn't play games like peek-a-boo.
• Hasn't started to say simple words like “mama” or “dada” by age 1.
• Repeats behavior that could hurt, like self-biting or banging the head.

One in 110 kids in the U.S. has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism is a developmental disability that occurs when the brain has trouble functioning properly. It affects a child's ability to speak, learn, and communicate with others. Doctors don't know exactly what causes it, but potential signs of autism can appear by 18 months.

Right now, there's no cure for autism, but it is treatable. Common treatments include speech and physical therapy, special diets, and treatments focused on improving relationships.

Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention services performed while a child's brain is still developing can significantly improve a child's ability to learn and communicate by the time they start kindergarten.

Potential Signs of Autism

• Makes little or no eye contact.
• Starts talking later than age 2, or loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences.
• Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm - may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech.
• Difficulty relating to other people, prefers to be alone, and doesn't like to cuddle.
• Doesn't play or has unusual play patterns like spinning objects over and over again.
• Extreme behavior like too much laughing or crying for no reason, tantrums, and sensitivity to pain (or lack of it).

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. If you notice anything about your child's behavior that doesn't seem right, you should have him or her checked by a health care provider.

When your child is diagnosed with a disability or special need, it's important to get support. You're not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes.

Raising a child with special needs

• Accept support and join a group for parents of children with disabilities or special needs. These parents can help you find resources and information, and provide emotional support.
• Talk with your doctor about your child's specific needs and challenges at home. Your routine at home may need to follow along with the specific treatment your child is receiving.
• Search for the best available program to fit your child's special needs. Contact your local school district or health department to learn more about preschool and other special education programs that are available in your area.
• Learn about your child's disability. The more you know, the more you will be empowered. Go to the library and find out all you can or visit trusted websites.

Extra Tip: Take time out for yourself. As much as you want to give your child all your attention, if you're tired and frustrated, you won't be able to put your best foot forward as a parent.