CHILDREN with SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

If you suspect or know your child has special health care needs, learn about the condition and your child’s needs. Ask questions, and seek help for your child and family. There is a world of information and support when you’re ready. There are many resources on this website that will be a great starting place. Connecting with other families, through parent-to-parent networks or other programs, can be a great source of support and information.

Most important, whatever your toddler’s special needs, he is a child first. You and your family are key in providing the loving care that your child needs. Try to focus on his strengths and abilities, the progress he is making, and what’s going well. Your health care provider may be able to help you balance the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Every state has programs with resources to assist families of special needs children. Contact the Maternal and Child Health program in your state by calling 800-311-2229 (Spanish: 800-504-7081). You may also connect with the Family-to-Family Health Information Center in your state on the Family Voices National Center for Family/Professional Partnerships website.