Enough on the quick fixes and fast solutions! Hey, a good tip is great...but..... what about when it doesn't fit behaviors that keep persisting?

What do you say - that holds attention - for parents who cringe when her cellphone rings, hoping (praying) it's not another "bad day" report from the school....to please come get him? Have a gut level hunch that there's something else going on with their child; she just doesn't fit in? What can they do...where else can they turn to for support (outside the doctor's office)

Many, many mothers and fathers are searching for these answers --- not a quick fix.

What quick fix tips are there that really apply to a parent of a child with special needs? Are we missing consistent communication for this large population? You bet!

Leave the quick fix tipping....and let's give more focus to what more to consider:

According to Steven E. Curtis, PhD the signs and symptoms of children (youth and teens, too) with behavioral, social and learning challenges include:

• overly excited and sensitive behavior
• non-compliant with requests
• attention or learning difficulties
• delayed or withdrawn socially
• angry and disruptive behavior

When such challenges are experienced at a more heightened and accelerated pace, then there's cause for pause. Assess what's happening. And do so without judgement.

Curtis claims these "behaviors are very common, although extremely puzzling." Take account for all that's going on....Start observing the behaviors of your child. How to do this is crucial. First thing is knowing how to holistically assess the condition and determine the nature and cause of the behavior. It takes being actively involved and aware of what's going on with your child.

Curtis writes in his book "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior" that the "most puzzling behavior cannot be explained by one cause alone. (!!!!) Instead, it is due to a complex interplay of both biological and environmental factors."

All children can be impacted by these factors...and most can choose to do something about it. But that's not always the case. Some need more time and more skills....and the safe space and specialized professionals. Some schools and programs do help, but there is a growing number of students that function beyond such settings..... Does this sound familiar to you? Have you wondered what more can you do? Where else....yet, to make another phonecall really feels fragile.....

Yes, there is a specific school designed to assist in working holistically with special needs, facilitate growth, and regulate communication. Children's Institute for Learning Differences (www.childsinstitute.com) is the leading school that offers its students a safe space to process behaviors and experience challenges in an enriching learning environment. It also provides educational training to other professionals and parents. CHILD serves students and families that are challenged by:

Immature neurological development which affects organization of time and space, processing of information, and behavior.

Distractibility and impulsivity that impact time on task, attention to relevant detail, and memory or retention.

Language/communication disorders that interfere with effective reception, storage or retrieval of information, and the ability to clearly express ideas or questions.

Intellectual development and social-emotional maturity, leading to difficulties with self-regulation, and social communication problems.

Trauma or family crisis that has left a child needing to rebuild trust in a sensitive, empowering atmosphere.

Identified or suspected learning disabilities that place a child at risk for learning failure.

Difficulties interpreting social behavior which make it hard for a child to make and keep friends.

What are some of your experiences you've had or are having raising a child/youth/teenager with special needs? What information do you wish existed? Please share your story.

Helpful resources include:

Children's Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD) at www.childinstitute.com or call 206.232.8680

Steven E. Curtis, PhD, author of "Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Children with Behavioral, Social, and Learning Challenges."