Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

NEWS YOU CAN USE YOU SHOULD KNOW Bipolar disorder in kids ipolar disorder is estimated to affect more than 1 million kids in the U.S. But the geneticbased disease of the brain and nervous system is often misdiagnosed, acco according to Dr. We Burgess, Wes aut author of the new book, The Bipolar Ha Handbook for Chi Children, Teens and Families, an Avery/Penguin Av Group, $14.95. Gr If bipolar children are ch mistakenly m given antigiv depressants, de these drugs th can irreversca ibly worsen the course of their bipolar ibl h f disorder and make it more difficult to treat for life, says Burgess, a worldrenowned psychiatrist specializing in treating bipolar disorder. His book offers 587 real-life questions from patients, families and friends, 64 reviews of medications and 13 reviews of the best types of psychotherapy for bipolar children. Topics cover healing the family, preventing bipolar behavior problems, improving study skills and school performance and a special section on the unique problems of bipolar teens. You’ll also find: ■ Nine tear-out handouts including two diagnostic checklists, an exercise, nutrition and sleep scheduler and three behavioral therapy programs that parents can do at home with their kids. ■ Seven best ways to improve your child’s bipolar treatment. ■ Eight warning signs of an impending bipolar crisis and the seven advance predictors of bipolar suicide. ■ Seven most important things to look for in choosing a doctor. Time to celebrate B B irthday parties are supposed to be fun. But they also can be extra worrisome for parents with children with special needs, from determining the guest list to making sure only good memories are left when the last guest waves goodbye. “I think parents of children with special needs need to celebrate everything they can,” says Stacie Welle, a party planner at Party Saver (www.partysaver.com, (630) 922-6100) in Aurora. “I think every year in the life of a special needs child is an incredible gift.” Here are a few tips she’s learned in her 23 years of planning and executing parties for children with special needs: ■ Identify what makes your child happy. Plan to do the activities they most enjoy. Also, identify what makes your child unhappy. If they are afraid of fuzzy things, don’t get a costumed character because you think it is expected by the other parents or kids. ■ Set realistic expectations. Decide what you want for your child and then honestly match those expectations to your child’s emotional, physical and developmental abilities. Don’t design a party just for the guests’ enjoyment or comfort and leave your child sitting out of the fun. Tailor parties to make the day really fun special for them. spe ■ Create detailed invitations. Rather tha a standard, come-to-my party invitathan tion list the activities planned to get guests tion, exc excited about the party. Choose games that ac child with a disability can participate in. “Be “Being more informative makes it comfortabl for everyone,” she says. able ■ Keep it small. Invite your child’s closest friends, not the entire class, because those closest to your child will be less tho likely to be intimidated by your child’s lik special needs. Make it more of a personal spe party to match your child’s interests, such par as planning a special outing to the zoo or ah hands-on museum with a few friends. ■ Send thank you notes. Include in each note a picture of your child with ea that guest. This reinforces the friendship th and enriches the memory, she says. an THREE TIPS When people stare arents of children with special needs, particularly children with obvious needs or behavior issues, frequently encounter people who stare at them or their children. Child clinical psychologist Sheeba Daniel-Crotty offers these tips when the staring upsets you or makes you or your child uncomfortable: ■ Reframe your perspective. Others’ stares often stem from either a lack P of knowledge and understanding or curiosity. ■ When dealing with your child’s behavior in public, take a deep breath and stick with the approach that you know is effective for your child. Consistency is most important. ■ Decide to inform. If the opportunity is right, take time to introduce your child and answer questions. Demystifying increases awareness and understanding. 14 | Specıal Parent 2008 CHICAGO | ChicagoParent.com http://www.partysaver.com http://ChicagoParent.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008 Contents In Our Shoes Of Mothers and Mission Control A Love Story Keeping the Whole Family Well What Do I Do? Resources God's Special Child Our Kids Inspirations

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