Parents and Parenting

1. Parents and Parenting By Janet & Rebecca Sharp

2. Summary • Services: access and co-ordination • Interaction and support • Home: environment and independence • Schools • Equipment: deciding what to use and the importance of inclusion

3. Summary • Education: exams, coursework and getting what you need • University • Work • Finding your own way

4. Services • Dealing with the diagnosis • Access to services • Statementing • Co-ordinating advice and support: • Framework of delivery • Repetition of tests • Working within the school timetable • When to give information and how best to phrase it • The Importance of sympathetic support

5. Interaction and Support • Informing others • Making sure other parents understand • Reducing fear and misconceptions • Support • Allowing parents to have a break • Allowing the child to have a break

6. Home: environment and independence • Safety vs independence • Developing confidence • Dealing with perceptions • Siblings

7. Schools • Finding the right school • Liaising with your school • Putting in face time • Advising on helpful teaching methods • The importance of preparation • School trips • Generating interest in child as a person • Including the whole class • Finding your child’s gift

8. Equipment • Deciding what works: • Raised board / desk • Books • Magnifiers • CCTV • New College • How much is enough? • The importance of inclusion

9. Education • Exam concessions • Finding out what’s available • Deciding what you need • Coursework • Getting what you need • The importance of friends: inclusion

10. University • Places and courses • Choosing a university and department • People, location and support • Applications • Providing enough information • Shedding a positive light • Making the most • Mentoring

11. Work • Finding what’s out there • People • Making it work

12. Finding your own way • Positive attitude • The importance of a sense of humour • Independence • Knowing when to ask for help • The importance of friends