Family dynamics:
English as a second language
Children ages seven, five and a toddler with autism.
Socioeconomic status: poverty level although father works full time at a local mechanic shop and mother works part time at a local fast food restaurant
Mother leaving full time work to stay home with the toddler, along with increasing medical bills has created a strain on the economics of the family
The only available family member is an elderly grandmother who can only handle caring for the child for only two hours at a time
The local school district is limited in its knowledge and resources for this type of special need
The parents have stopped much of their social life because of alternating work schedules.
This family needs all aspects of the three sectors of a comprehensive system:
They need the Health section to help them meet the demanding needs of a child with autism as well as keep their other children healthy. They need health education to help them deal with the circumstances that they may not understand.
They need early learning and development to start their toddler on a path that helps him reach educational success.
They need family support and leadership to help all family members deal with the added stress that they feel. A support group and counseling will be helpful for both parents and siblings.
The first step for this family is to find a support group that will help them by providing counseling sessions and information about services and what to expect at each step with their children. An ideal group would have an educated leader along with parents that are dealing with the same issue.
Patricia,
ReplyDeleteThe situation does sound like a tough one with very limited resources that are already present within the family. Such as regular child care and income instability. Does the family feel as if they could move to a new location or is this not a good idea due to economic situations? If the toddler isn't put into the proper care early he may not develop as well as he could have. This would be very stressful for the family.
Tina
Patricia,
ReplyDeleteHave you contacted your local department of social health services or social security office? Many times they will assist with funding to families with children with special needs? This at times help with some of the financial burdens on a family.
What a tricky situation. I am noticing that many of us chose autism as a condition in our situations. I think this is because the increasing amount of children in our society being diagnosed. I like the turn you took with the language not being primarily English. Good luck with your assignment!
ReplyDelete