Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

FROM THE EDITORS For and about you he mom who called our office sounded beyond frustrated. Her child had been diagnosed with a disability and she had no idea where to turn for help. Even more than TAMARA L. that, she wanted O’SHAUGHNESSY someone to acknowlEditor edge that life with a child with special needs can be the most frustrating experience we’ll ever face as parents, but also the most rewarding with the right support and guidance. Parenting a child with special needs can often be a hidden hardship, one that’s almost impossible to share with other parents who don’t understand the endless cycle of doctors, therapy, medications and the never-ending search for answers. Our goal with this new magazine, both in print and online, is to bring children with T special needs and families together, to help parents to connect and to put into your hands the best resources for yourself and your child. We want you to know you are not in this alone. LIZ DECARLO As we began to Editor plan this magazine with our advisory board’s input, we quickly realized we couldn’t possibly address all of the special needs in our communities. Instead, we decided to focus on issues many parents with children with special needs encounter. Most importantly, however, we focus on stories about parents like you who are doing the best they can in situations they never envisioned but can’t now imagine life without. So far, parents’ response leading up to the birth of this special magazine has Loss love been be so overwhelmov ing that we’ve we already AND decided to dec make ma this Grieving the rieving child biannual a bi you dreamed ou of, loving the one you have magazine in mag 2009. 200 There’s even T more to be found online at ChicagoParent.com. You will find more resources and tips plus an interactive electronic version of this magazine that will put you in touch with the resources and advertisers in just a simple click of your mouse. As we plan our next issue, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us what matters to you, what you’d like to read about. Share your own stories and tips and photos of your wonderful children. E-mail your thoughts and photos to us at tamara@chicagoparent. com. facts from fads reso 6 yoururceslyfor fami CURE? How to tell Specıal Parent re 53 CHICAGO 2008 An empowerment guide from Chicago Parent OUR ADVISORY BOARD MARIAN CASEY is the executive director of A.S.K- Answers for Special Kids, a resource and advocacy organization that serves the needs of parents of children with special needs throughout northeastern Illinois. She is an attorney, active on a number of community boards, a master’s degree candidate at Northwestern University and the mother of a child with special needs. SHEEBA DANIELCROTTY, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who focuses on child, adolescent and family psychotherapy and evaluation. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, learning disabilities and socialemotional problems. CARA LONG, a registered nurse and a mom of three, including one born with Down syndrome, is a state credentialed parent liaison at Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region. She has worked with families of children with Down syndrome as a support parent volunteer and public awareness speaker for the National Association for Down Syndrome. DEIDRE PATE OMAHEN, CTRS, is a certified recreational therapist. She is the director of programs at National Lekotek Center, a therapeutic play program in Chicago. She has presented at numerous conferences on topics such as using computers for children with disabilities, assistive technology, toy adaptation and disability awareness. LARRY REINER, Ed.D. CPRP, with a doctorate degree in counseling, adult and higher education, is executive director of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association. He is highly regarded for leadership in creating recreation opportunities for kids and adults with special needs. DR. ALAN ROSENBLATT is a specialist in neurodevelopmental pediatrics who has been involved in medical care, advocacy and education efforts on behalf of children with special needs and their families at the local, state and national levels. 4 | Specıal Parent 2008 CHICAGO | ChicagoParent.com http://ChicagoParent.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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