How to advocate for your child with special needs

As a parent or caregiver, you are the best advocate for your child. Being an advocate means speaking up for your child’s rights. It is especially important to do this for a child with special needs to ensure that they are receiving equal and fair treatment.

How to advocate for your child

• Know your child’s rights
• Prepare and present solutions
• Stay calm while advocating
• Find support from others
• Fully understand the needs of your child
• Become a problem solver, not a problem maker

Becoming an advocate for your child means learning everything you can about your child’s disability. It is equally important that you educate yourself on state and federal laws that impact special education or that can affect the rights of your child.

How your child can advocate for themself

• Speak up when treated unfairly
• Know their strengths
• Be aware of all weaknesses
• Create solutions to any weaknesses
• Communicate their needs to others

Pediatrics Plus is here to be a resource for your family and advocate on behalf of all the families we serve. If we can help your family with any of our services, contact us today to learn more about how we can empower your child to conquer their world. 

Resources for this article include raisingchildren.net, verywellfamily.com, churchillstl.org.