At On Angel’s Wings, we know that raising a child is one of the most rewarding parts of life. However, there are certain challenges that can hinder your child’s learning, growth, and development. Children and adults with special needs generally require special help and support, making it especially important to find resources for families with special needs.
According to the CDC, 26% of Americans have some type of disability, whether that is physical, medical, cognitive, or behavioral. Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2019-2020, 14% of all public school students received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As more children and adults are getting the help they need for their special needs, it’s important to be aware of the resources available for families with special needs.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what is meant by special needs and what some of the most common characteristics of special needs children are. We will also provide helpful resources for families with special needs so you know where to find more information and support.
The term “Special Needs” relates to a broad array of needs that are caused by medical, physical, mental, or developmental conditions or disabilities. Children with disabilities may have physical or sensory issues; cognitive or developmental difficulties; emotional or behavioral difficulties; or difficulties with speech, language, or communication.
Children with special needs require special attention and support to help them reach their potential. Parents of children with special needs will need to be creative, flexible, patient, and empathetic to handle the challenges that can come with raising a special needs child. Although these challenges may be difficult to overcome, you should always celebrate your child’s progress and triumphs. There are also a variety of resources available to help families with special needs with support, funding, and caretaking.
There are four main categories of special needs: Physical/Medical, Behavioral, Developmental, and Sensory.
Some children are born with a physical special need, while others can develop this need as they age. Because every child is different, your child may either have an innate ability to adapt to the world around them, or they may need extra help establishing their new normal. Regardless, your child’s physician should be present at all stages to help diagnose and assist with this physical special need. The following are a few examples of physical and medical special needs:
Special needs that are behavioral or emotional in nature are often difficult to detect and require professional intervention. Below are some common examples of behavioral or emotional issues:
Developmental issues can make it difficult for your child to learn and retain information, especially at school. Some common developmental issues are…
Those with sensory disabilities often benefit from technological advancements to help them learn and communicate. The following are examples of sensory special needs:
There are a variety of conditions that constitute special needs. No two children are the same, so keep in mind that children may not exhibit the exact same behaviors (or range of behaviors). Some children may exhibit only a few characteristics, while others may show a wider array of characteristics. Regardless, here are some of the signs that your child may have special needs related to their physical health, cognition, development, or behavior.
Please note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of special needs characteristics. These are common signs of special needs for informational purposes only. It is not intended to screen for or diagnose disabilities.
Your child may have special needs if they have difficulty…
Consult your child’s doctor if you are concerned that your child may have special needs. You can also use the resources listed below to learn more about special needs and get the support you require.
At On Angel’s Wings, we want to do everything we can to help support our members and their families. That’s why we are happy to provide resources for families with special needs children. Below you will find resources at both the national and state (Arizona) level to help you get the support you need for your family. If you have questions about these resources or want to learn more about special needs, please call us at (623) 780-5690. We provide quality caregiving services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.
Below is a list of resources on the national scale.
Below is a list of resources for Arizona families with special needs. You can find these links and more on our Community Links page.
Since 2003, On Angel’s Wings, Inc. has served children and adults with special needs. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, and loving environment while teaching educational and daily living skills to each individual. We provide a range of services including…
Home and Community-Based Services (Attendant Care, Habilitation, and Respite)
Adult Day Program and Transportation
We serve members throughout the Greater Phoenix area and Kingman, AZ.
If you want to learn more about our services or have questions about these resources for families with special needs, please reach out to us at (623) 780-5690. We look forward to helping you and your family!