A few weeks back, I revealed that we are getting a psychiatric service dog for my 11-year-old son, Noah. Over the past few months, I’ve shared insights into the various therapies and interventions we utilize for my two boys with special needs. For three years, I’ve tried to articulate the daily realities of our lives while still maintaining a degree of privacy for my children.
We are gradually learning how to thrive despite numerous diagnoses, which I’ve stopped listing due to the overwhelming nature of it all. Our decisions regarding treatments have played a significant role in our journey.
Since going public about our service dog journey, I’ve been heartened to connect with other families who have pursued similar paths with positive outcomes. I’ve encountered many online parents contemplating the same choice, eager to gather information.
However, each time I share a new approach to my sons’ care, I receive a flurry of emails and comments echoing a common, often accusatory question: Does he really need this? Does my child with special needs genuinely require these treatments, therapies, and interventions? The short answer is yes.
The more nuanced response is that he needs support. He is facing challenges, and we aim to assist him as effectively as possible. The truth is, we never know which therapies will yield results; it often feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks.
And it’s not just us taking this approach. Speak to any healthcare professional working with children with complex medical and psychological needs, and they will tell you that no one can predict what will work for each individual child. So, we try one option after another until we find what fits best.
You just read my standard explanation, but here’s my honest, exhausted take on the question: Nobody engages in this process for enjoyment.
No one would invest their last dollar to secure a service dog when they had never even contemplated owning a pet before. No one willingly endures the endless paperwork, questions, and judgment while seeking a therapist whose services might not even be covered by their insurance.
Nobody finds joy in taking their child for yet another blood test. And no one celebrates when a medication leads to a child gaining 25 pounds in just weeks.
The reality is that we don’t even follow all the suggestions we receive. Speech therapy, physical therapy, educational therapy, and additional medications are all potential interventions that have been recommended for my sons. Due to various reasons, including a lack of time, we are not currently pursuing them.
We may consider them later. We might not. The choices we make for my sons’ treatment plans are thoroughly evaluated against the other strategies we employ. It’s a dynamic process that shifts based on their progress, developmental needs, and, frankly, our budget.
We’re doing the best we can for our children. It’s possible we are missing the mark at times. But given our circumstances, we are striving to make informed decisions.
We experience both significant successes and notable setbacks. However, we have never concluded at the end of the day with the thought, “What else can we add to our schedule? Let’s squeeze in another hour-long therapy!”
Does my son need these interventions? Absolutely. He requires them daily and more. I am grateful that we can provide them and that we are witnessing progress and healing through his treatment plan.
This is why I share our experiences—to support one another, share what works, and encourage each other to keep pushing forward. More than any therapeutic method, we need compassion, understanding, and the knowledge that we are not alone in this journey. This holds true for my son and for me, and I believe it resonates with many of you as well.
If you’re interested in more information on this topic, check out this blog post or learn about the artificial insemination kits available that can assist in your journey. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources for those seeking support in pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Navigating the world of therapies and interventions for children with special needs can be overwhelming and filled with questions about necessity. Parents often face scrutiny but must make informed decisions that best support their children. While the process is complex and ever-changing, the commitment to finding the right approaches is vital for progress.