Involving Parents in an Early Intervention Programme The role of parents in any Early Intervention Programme is the driving force in assisting their children in achieving the maximum success. All parents are included in the caring of the children's needs whether it is in therapy or in education. Parents are seen as equal partners in the multidisciplinary team to provide the necessary care and attention that will help the children to fulfill their potential. We recognized that parents with children of special needs are constantly worried and anxious for their children's future. Sometimes, parents may also feel frustrated and angry about their children's condition. Therefore, it is important that parents work together with the professionals in the team to discuss and obtain support. We respect the needs that parents themselves may have, and would provide as much support as possible. Under the Early Intervention Programme, parents and other important caregivers in the family would be provided orientation and basic training to care and manage their children. It cannot be emphasized more, a lot of effort comes from parents and family members to make the intervention work effectively. Open communication is, thus, an important starting point to promote good working relationship.

Growing Up With A Special Needs Sibling

Being the sibling of a child with special needs has special challenges. These siblings will face unique emotional obstacles throughout their lives. They commonly struggle with feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, grief, anxiety and jealousy that can arise in childhood and persist into adulthood. Most parents will feel the pressure and frustration juggling between caring their child with special needs and his or her sibling(s). Do understand that these siblings will need the extra attention, and opportunities to express their feelings will open the door for better communication between parent and child. They need to be thought of ways to tolerate and understand the unique requirements of their siblings with special needs. In short, it will be a joint family effort to learn and support each other for the obstacles and challenges along the journey of life.

"Can't Jonathan go live somewhere else? I hear Mars is nice..." taken from Oh Brother! Growing Up With A Special Needs Sibling by Natalie Hale

The IMPORTANCE of EARLY IDENTIFICATION

The early identification of children who may need some kind of extra support is very important, because children whose needs are not met are essentially in danger of losing out. They may not be able to play with others or experience the learning benefits of play and being part of the setting. It's important to understand that early identification is not about sorting children into groups of 'less able' and 'more able', nor about labeling children. In fact, the aim of early identification is to consider how best to meet these children's needs. A child whose needs have not been identified cannot fully and effectively assimilate into the curriculum, and may be discriminated against. In some cases, parents bring up concerns of their children's development to teachers in kindergarten or to their health care professionals. In other cases, a physician or a pediatrician notices or has a 'hunch' about a child's development, and raise the concern to his/her parents, in which in turn, refer to the appropriate professionals for evaluation. Hence, it is crucial to observe your children and be aware of their development in the early years. Early help makes a difference. Please refer to center page for a guideline of normal behaviour development to assist you in understanding what to expect in your child's growth. If your child is having trouble doing things that other children his or her age are doing, it may put your mind at rest to talk to someone. Talk with your doctor, or call us for more information.

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