Their therapists often see children who have special needs in medical facilities. There, they are being looked after until such time that they can thrive on their own. But the work of therapists and psychologists doesn’t stop when the kids start going to school. They are much needed by these children more than ever before, as the kids’ transition to a life that’s filled with challenges and development.
School is a prestigious institution where children’s bodies and minds are honed. They function as a child’s second home; a place where they learn more about the world despite their special needs and lack of physical development.
It is an undeniable fact that therapists/psychologists and school staff are valuable people in honing a child with special needs. Hence, as a parent, you have the power to connect these two facilities to help bring out the best in your child.
Opening The Doors Of Communication Between Schools And Therapists
More often than not, your child’s therapist and your chosen school are separate entities. They might not be affiliated with one another. But if you want them to work harmoniously together for the good of your child, then you can initiate opening the communication doors between the two institutions.
It is indeed possible to link your child’s therapist and school so that a helping relationship may spark within them both.
Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Allow The Release Of Your Child’s Information To The Relevant Parties
Your therapist and your child’s school must know the right information about the condition of your child. This is so that they can collaborate and plan on things that will help your child rise from his special needs. However, institutions cannot just take hold of information regarding your child because this is deemed confidential in the medical community and must be released only with your permission.
You can fill out a special release of the child’s information form at your child’s clinic or his school. Think of this form as a consent wherein you specify the professionals and institutions where you want your child’s medical information to be shared. The form should be renewed annually.
For instance, if you want a collaboration between your child’s therapist and his school, do specify that in the form. They now have your consent to access relevant records related to the physical abilities and treatment plans of your child. Medical information from your child’s therapist will allow the school to set a safe and accommodating environment for your child undergoing physical therapy or therapy for mental health and behavioral reasons.
Talk To Both The Therapist And The School On Concerns About Your Child
“Parents inherently worry about their children and parents of kids with special needs have additional reasons to worry,” says Dan Peters Ph.D. It is vital that both your child’s school and your therapist know exactly what they need to collaborate on for your child. Schedule a meeting with both parties, or at least talk to them individually if a group meeting isn’t feasible. A group meeting is an excellent idea because you can introduce the professionals personally to each other and talk to them at once about your concerns.
Let them know about the concerns you have regarding your child’s special needs. Ask questions and discuss thoroughly what needs to be done so that both the therapist and the school can adjust for the benefit of your child. Let both parties know your expectations so that they’ll understand what needs to be done.
For example, you want to ensure that an accommodating environment is provided at school for your child under therapy. You can meet with the therapist and the school representative and discuss this specific concern with them. Your therapist can further explain the child’s condition to the school staff, and the school staff, in turn, gives you all an idea of how they keep your child physically safe in their classrooms and corridors.
Create Easier Communication Means For You, Your Child’s School Staff, And His Therapist Or Psychologist
One meeting isn’t enough to keep you updated on the progress of the collaboration between your therapist and your child’s school. Ask them if it would be feasible to meet together at regular intervals to discuss your child’s condition and progress. Say, you meet once at the end of the month for this matter.
If face-to-face meetings cannot be done, there are still ways to keep everyone in the communication loop. You can create a group email and add all concerned professionals to the mailing list. You can use the group email to share goals, follow-up on your child’s progress, ask questions about any concerns. “Effective counselors should have excellent communication skills,” according to Ashley Miller, a licensed social worker, and psychotherapist.
Not too keen on using the Internet? Purchase a notebook and use it as a therapy logbook. Request your child’s therapist, teachers, and other relevant professionals to write your child’s progress after each therapy session and classroom activities. Updates need not be lengthy; a couple of quick but straight-to-the-point notes will do. Make sure that the notes include any concerns or new issues that the professionals have observed in your child. Write down your observations and recommendations on the therapy logbook as well.
Ensure that the logbook reaches both the therapist and the school at regular intervals. Don’t worry; it won’t be a nuisance to the professionals if it becomes a habit. Also, they won’t mind logging their thoughts on the notebook if it’s one of how they can ensure holistic and collaborative care for your child.
If you are stressed and feel that you need help in handling essential areas such as these, you may want to be enlightened by one of the credible and trustworthy online therapists from BetterHelp. You’ll get matched with someone who is specially trained to deal with the specific mental or emotional health concern that you need help with. If you want to know more about how to get connected with them, visit their official LinkedIn page.
Final Thoughts
Creating a collaborative relationship between your child’s therapist and his school teachers is a great step towards strengthening the care for your child with special needs. There are lots of ways to start connecting these two professional institutions. It all begins with your initiative and patience as a parent. “A child’s ability to overcome daily challenges are best met when parents, educators, and mental health providers are on the same page,” says Annabella Hagen, LCSW, RPT-S.