I do not have kids (yet) but I myself have a physical problem and was raised around kids with varying degrees of disabilities. People who are able to take care of kids with special needs are very special indeed.

Yes Suzanne..I agree..it takes alot of patience and understanding to do that..I know many parents who don't have what it takes to raise a healthy child..let alone one with issues.

Couldn't agree with you more. My mother did it for ten years until my dad died and she had to start working full time. Had to go into foster care but we still get along today. She did what she had to do.

I do.my child has pdd-nos and mental retardation. I also have worked with special needs

I am a special ed teacher in chicago area. work with mild profound and severe children of all disabilities.

Just wanted to add if anyone has school questions or iep questions ask...I will answer if I can

I am going to school to be a special education teacher

I have mentioned this before on JSH, but I see alot of you that posted are fairly new.
I have an 18 yr. old son, (who has a twin), who was diagnoised with ADHD in the 2nd grade. My oldest daughter who is now 28 was also diagnoised with it at the same age. They both struggled through school but both did graduate from high school. My son, although he now has a very part time job, still has problems getting motivated. My daughter has worked her way to becoming a very successful manager of the largest Starbucks store in Australia.

I have worked with very severe physically & mentally handicapped children at the local school for the last 9 yrs. Most of the students I work with live in group homes. Most are non-verbal, about half cannot walk or feed themselves. Most also suffer with seizures.

These children have a way of getting tangled in the heart strings.

That's the kind of kids I want to work with. I was actually in classes like that up until high school for no reason whatsoever. The school system in America is kinda messed up.

I worked in Minneapolis for 7 year and now in Il for 9 years. I have experience with MR, PPD, Autism, and a variety of syndromes. I believe it is important to keep a routine, expect good behavior, and somewhat age appropriate behavior. The less "special" kids are treated the better. I find the population I work with tend to be "spoiled" Caregivers will do for the child instead of letting the child do for themselves.

I don't see my kids (daughter) as disablied, just challenged and we all know that's daily life for anyone. One big challenge. Some are just more challenged than others.

multiple challenges for my wonderful kiddos....all 3 have ADHD and Sensory Integrative Disorder, the oldest (8 yrs, boy)also has Aspergers, Bipolar (rapid cycle)OCD, and ODD; the middle one (boy, 6)has severe Conduct Disorder and Intermittent Explosive Disorder, possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, and possible Reactive Attachment Disorder; and my youngest (girl, age 5) has Generalized Behavior Disorder and Reactive Attachment Disorder...so my life stays full to say the least...I love them so much and want them all to have productive lives, but i do sometimes get very, very frustrated...then there are days when the simple joy of parenting just flows through the house...they are rare days tho...lol!!

My 11yr old has Cerebral Palsy, Mental retardation, Developmental Delays, sensory disfunction and is at a 2 yr old level. And I love him.

Personally I think it is what you are most comfortable with.
I found if I was lowkeyed but honest about it upfront it was better for everyone. It is hard not to carry over the hurt to your child if someone rejects you because of their disability.
Since not everyone is cut out to be a Parent or the parent of and Exceptional child I preferred to just not have to deal with the ones who couldn't handle it. It is hard enough when someone gives their best shot and washes out without starting out with some one who had they know would have opted out.
I would warn not to necessarily believe that people will always be honest. Sometimes they just give you the excuse you seem willing to accept. That can be a heavy load for a kid who already gets to be the scape goat for a lot of the families problems.
I will warn you that it will defintiely limit you in the number of responses you will get. And that some folks also think that because you have a Child with special needs that you may want another or are willing to "excuse" other problems which I would never buy into becuase with that mind set you will never excuse enough.
Don't give up though because there are still great guys who could care less if your Child is Exceptional and end up being great Husbands and Dad's.

I'm glad I finally found other parents w/children that are unique... I've felt so alone for so long. My son has several issues that are very challenging sometimes, he has chromosomal translocation of the 15th & 17th chromosomes, has ODD, severe ADHD, Adjustment disorder and Nightmare disorder, and a learning disability. I also have a daughter with ADD whom just hit puberty. Life is very busy all the time with doctors and therapists. He has to see a genetasist every year so they can run new test because they don't know much about his chromosome disorder. I don't get to talk to other parents that understand very often so thanks for being here.If anyone has any advice on how to raise a little boy with disabilities into a good man please send out. Thanks in advance..

where did everyone go from this board?
I have checked several times, but no-one has postred since March of this year...hellooooo, anyone out there?

I'm wondering too cause the support of other parents who know what I'm dealing with helps alot

Hi Ya All. Checking in hoping that everyone is doing well. There is a great magazine out there called "Exceptional Parent". It is a comprehensive magazine that addresses most issues for parents. A great gift to yourself.

Thanks I'll have to check it out

My son has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADD and language delay

He is a great kid- makes me laugh everyday and i would not change anything about him. He made me who i am right now

I don't have any mention of him in my profile. He is a priviledge they get to know about if they stick around long enough