If you notice your little one isn’t reaching child development milestones like walking or talking on par with their peers, they may have special needs. Children with mobility or learning disabilities require additional care to help them succeed at home and in school. Here are some tips for caring for these kids and helping them thrive.

Physical Needs

Work With Physical Therapists

Many children with physical disabilities like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy benefit from attending regular physical therapy appointments. In these sessions, they can improve strength, gain flexibility, and develop balance and range of motion through stretching and exercises.

Join Adaptive Activities

Some kids can join school sports or leagues, but others benefit from attending adaptive activities. There, they can meet children with similar physical needs and use equipment to make activities more accessible. For example, kids interested in paddling may need adaptive seats to hold them upright and keep their legs in place. Or, if they have limited arm mobility, they can use a pedal kayak instead.

Arrange Your Home With Them in Mind

Children with physical disabilities may require mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs. Ensure your home can accommodate these tools by making wide walkways and placing furniture with plenty of room for them to maneuver. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom to encourage independence for those who can address hygiene needs on their own.

Mental or Learning Needs

Determine Their Learning Style

Everyone has a unique learning style. Some benefit from visual aids, while others need to hear an explanation or see you perform it. Ascertain how your child learns and share the information with their teacher so that they can adjust the curriculum accordingly.

Determine Reasonable Goals

Work with teachers and medical professionals to set child development goals. Those on the autism spectrum may work toward speech or social objectives, while kids with dyslexia may work on reading and writing. Establish small goals that lead up to more significant milestones, such as reading a chapter a day with the end target of reading an entire book for fun.

Stick to a Routine

Many children with special needs benefit from following a schedule. Get up, eat breakfast, and head to school at the same time each day to help your kid feel supported and organized. When they know what to expect, they feel safer and more prepared to address mental health difficulties like depression or impulsiveness.

If you’re interested in enrolling a child with special needs in preschool, contact Great Beginnings in Cottleville and St. Charles, MO. The childcare providers offer an in-home environment where kids of all abilities have fun and achieve child development goals. Call the Cottleville location at (636) 447-4212 or the St. Charles location at (636) 724-5048. Visit the website for information on their compassionate, knowledgeable teachers and impressive academic curriculum.