Talking to Doctors about Educational

Options for Children with Special Needs 

Mary (Mollie) SheppardRowan University

DEC 2014

What is a team?

A trans-disciplinary team was identified by Bruder (2010) as being most efficient for early childhood education and was defined as one that “integrates a child’s developmental needs across the major developmental domains during the design of interventions” (p. 7). The goal of such a team is to, “pool and integrate the expertise of the team members so that more efficient and comprehensive assessment and intervention services may be provided” (Bruder, 2010, p. 7).

Bruder, M.B. (2010). Early childhood intervention: A promise to children and families for their future. Exceptional Children, 76 (3), 339-355.

Who is on the team?

IDEA requirements

Differences between ECSE and SE

Incorporating non-school personnel Physicians Advocates State Office of Developmental Disability

What do effective teams do?

Communicate

Collaborate

Have a shared vision for you and your child

Support the family

Have clear roles and responsibilities

How do teams communicate?

Phone calls

E-mail

Notebook

Meetings

What about non-school personnel?

The role of the Physician

Making a referral or diagnosis

Advising the family about the disability

Knowledge of community supports

Prescribing medicine

On-going care (lifespan view)

Why include your Physician in the

School team?

Increased communication about medication

Connection between Dr. and school nurse or teacher regarding medical issues (feeding etc.)

On-going support for families from a non-school professional

Continuity among team members= better outcomes

What does the research say?

Challenges to Collaboration

TIME

HIPPA

Difficulty communicating via e-mail

Different language (ED v. Medical)

Language (Non-English speakers)

More Challenges

Medical Training Does not necessarily include special education

law Does not necessarily include special education

methodology General Pediatricians v. Developmental

Pediatricians GP you see every year (or more)- DP maybe

every year.

What can parents do?

Ask what your Dr.’s experience has been with children with special needs (specifically special education).

Articulate your desire to include the Physician to both your Dr. and the school team. Sign necessary HIPPA forms to allow communication.

Determine the best way for communication.

Suggestions?

Focus Question 1

What role would you like your physician to take on your child’s team?

Focus Question 2

What would you like your physician to know about working with parents of children with disabilities?