Expect Impossible Days
Every person has bad days, but children with special needs experience them with more intensity and perseverance.  Many children with special needs may have a different sense of time. Such as, those with attention differences find they have a “Now—Not now” sense of time and can become frustrated when they perceive they are being rushed. Other children may feel a sense of failure if they don’t perform perfectly the first time, not realizing it’s the process of learning, not the end result, that’s important. They cut short, not because they are rude, but because they fear they will forget what they want to say.
They can also exhibit skill discrepancies. For example: One preteen reads on the high school level, but has difficulty using the dictionary because he can’t remember the alphabet. Some may be proficient in music, but has difficulty with math and reading, and some is gifted with three different diagnoses.
What helps soften impossible days?
• Taking time off.
• Exercise and humor.
• Weekly and monthly calendars.
• Trading kids.
• Structure, which means predictability and not "set in stone."
• Taking time to work through the causes of stress in a non-judgmental way, and helping them understand cause and effect.
• Compassion toward your child and working through your expectations.
Work with the Hyperfocus
Kids with special needs often have an interest that can occupy their time and thoughts around the clock. Let them, if appropriate. Check they get enough sleep and remind them to eat, and then let them explore their favorite topic in-depth. Use their hyperfocus to introduce less interesting topics.
Parents should be concerned, if a child hyperfocuses for an extended period of time on a subject that doesn't provide appropriate learning or social experiences, such as some video or computer games. Children with diagnose Asperger's Syndrome, especially boys, can find computers fascinating to the exclusion of anything or anyone else. If you think a child's hyperfocus is problematic, please seek professional help. Find a therapist or physician who is homeschool friendly and knowledgeable in learning differences. This can make a tremendous difference in your child's future.
Give Yourself and Your Family Permission to De-Stress
Many children with special needs are being pushed out of public schools because the system is unable to accommodate their particular learning styles. Homeschooling is like a life-saving choice, in this respect. Although still it feels as if we’re venturing into unknown territory, like being pushed head-first out of an airplane without a parachute.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. There is no choice for you to duplicate what public school has to offer. Besides, would you want to, anyway?
Give yourself permission to take a break. If your child and you are having a hard day, take a hike. Exercise is one of three best non-pharmacological treatments for ADD.
| 
