Family Empowerment of Children with Special Needs

Being a parent is
a. Noble task
b. Not easy
c. Especially if we have children with a special need

Special Needs Children is
Children who need attention, support or assistance because he suffered disability both physically and psychologically, for example children - children who have developmental disorders such as autism, attention disorder / hyperactivity (ADHD), Down syndrome, mental retardation, speech and language disorders that lead to special needs.

Parents need more time to nurture, support and help for children to achieve skills in the development.

The reaction that arises is disappointment, anger, sadness, feelings of guilt and confusion that could affect the entire family.

The reaction can appear gradually:

1. Shock  
Generally, the surprise is mixed with feelings of anxiety, guilt, numbness, confusion, helplessness, anger, distrust, rejected and desperate. But parents can also feel very sad, felt torn, so confused and lost. 

2. Realization
At this stage, parents may be anxious or afraid of not able to care for children with special needs so that they become disturbed or upset, more accused himself, self-pity or even hate himself.

3. Defensive Retreat
Parents at this stage to try to refuse the anxiety caused by knowing their children with special needs, meaning that some try to find another expert opinion, some refused to meet with acquaintances and family just alone with his son. But some time later they can adapt.

4. Acknowledgement
Stage where parents exert the power to accept the conditions of having a child with special needs. In this stage, parents also began to involve themselves in dealing with children with special needs.

For all the success it needs the support of : 

• Couples 
• Other children 
• Large families

Patterns of care expected: 

1. Same 
2. Consistent 
3. Examples of positive 
4. Clearly, that is not ambiguous parenting

Behaviour Change
The rationale: a certain behavior is studied because it produces certain effects.

Use positive consequences :
- Usually called the reinforcement (reinforcers)- Simple, uncomplicated- Something that is common to child activities, like watching tv, playing outside, riding a bike, etc..- Expressed by using a positive sentence- Immediately, meaning reinforcersnya must be given on the spot

Tips: 

1. Avoid using toys or goods - expensive items 
2. Avoid delays 
3. Reinforcement provided should vary (mainly for hyperactive children) 
4. Use praise, smiles, hugs, etc.
5.  Avoid criticizing, ridiculing or negative feedback

Avoid Negative Consequences, which is punishment. Because the penalty provided little information. In addition, punishment is often a show of strength on the child's parents but the child does not know what is desired by the parents. Additionally, the penalty can be turned so as to cause the child to tantrums and aggressive.

Tips : 
1. Note the behavior which should be ignored.
    a. harmful behavior of hyperactive children - should not be ignored
    b. The best treatment of tantrums are ignored 

2. Handle with immediately, do not wait until the excessive and parents finally could not wait. 

3. Demonstrate behavior that we want and let reinforce that will be obtained if he is doing positive behavior 

4. Do not shout or scream 

5. It is expected that the attitude of the family, especially parents who are positive will help the children - children with special needs adjust to the world wide6. Positive attitude also helps parents of children in its development.