There is generally a perception that behavioral therapists, special education teachers, school psychologists and people in similar positions are kind, patient, sacrificial and giving people for choosing careers working with children who may exhibit extreme behaviors. Some of which can include, but are not limited to, tantrums of crying, screaming, hitting, kicking, sitting and/or exhibiting self-injurious behavior. Hopefully, this perception of these professionals is a true reflection of how they work alongside each child. Nonetheless, the behavior therapist, and similar professionals, may be very caring and giving people, but at the end of the day their job is done, and they can transition swiftly into their personal lives. However, it’s not that simple for the parents of children with special needs.

To be a parent of any child is a 24-hour job, filled with immense commitment and responsibility, and it can be drastically intensified with a child who has developmental delays. Among other things, many studies suggest that the divorce rate is higher among couples with children who have special needs. Plus, these parents are at increased risk of mental health issues, including depression. Some parents may experience erratic emotions that can occur day-by-day and hour-by-hour. These emotions can range from love, joy, elation, happiness, and pride, but can also oscillate to feelings of sadness, angst, fear, anger, frustration, or helplessness. So, what can be done about the emotional support and well-being of these parent?

B.I.G. Solutions’ vision of the B.I.G. Powerful Parent Partnership is to create an environment for parents to come together, meet one another, and partake in a parent discussion/training. The ultimate purpose is to find support, hope, knowledge and awareness!

 

B.I.G.	– Be a part of a community!
PARENT	– Meet other parents, and feel encouraged.
POWERFUL	– Partake in discussion about ASD and related disorders, and to learn different services available via funding sources (i.e. school, home, and community programs).  Information and knowledge is empowering!
PARTNERSHIP	– Form an alliance with one another and have the opportunity to share your experience.

 

To attend the next B.I.G. Powerful Parent Partnership, or to learn more about it:

Date of meeting:	Thursday, May 18, 2017
Time:	7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location:	11335 Magnolia Blvd. – Ste. #2C (upstairs/stair or elevator access, plenty of parking in lot)
Facilitator:	Jenn Sotodeh – Her background is School Psychology, Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Refreshments:	A light snack/beverage will be provided
Please RSVP:	Space is limited.  Call, text or email Chad at:  (818) 824-5418  / chad@behavioralinspiredgrowth.com

 

“Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness.”

– Unknown

“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about.”

– Unknown

“Special needs parents are the equivalent of Batman, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk combined with a side of Mary Poppins.”

– Unknown