know that I wasn’t in this by myself —
that I wasn’t the only person who had
a child who didn’t sleep well; that I
wasn’t the only one with a child who
was now three and not talking,” Masan-
nat says.
Connecting You to Your Best Life!
To find support groups in your
area, consult with the therapists and
teachers your child already works with,
your library, your church, and online.
For example, www.autismspeaks.org,
which includes resources for families
or the National Down Syndrome So-
ciety, www.ndss.org. Also check out
Facebook and MeetUp.com for local
support groups.
Other
ideas to
brighten
you friend’s
day:
♥ Purchase a gift certificate for a
massage or manicure
♥ If you plan to have the fam-
ily over, ask your friend if you
should be aware of any food
sensitivities or specific ground
rules to ensure a successful visit
♥ Offer to babysit and/or help with
siblings
♥ Help with getting kids to prac-
tices
♥ Deliver a meal
♥ Mow their lawn
Does your child have an intellectual or
developmental disability? We can help you
navigate a complex system.
Our Expert Care Coordinators:
Collaborate with school Social Workers, Psychologists
and Teachers to support your child throughout school
years and into adulthood
Link you to hundreds of programs and services
through communication with agency partners and an
online database of resources
Monitor and coordinate medical, dental, behavioral
and safety needs
Create a holistic plan that grows with your child
as their needs and goals change
♥ Send a bouquet of cheerful flow-
ers
♥ Arrange for a house cleaning
crew
♥ Ask if you can pick up anything
while running errands
♥ Mail an encouraging card
Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk
Hines, and her husband are the parents
of two sons. She is the author of “Con-
fidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a
Satisfying Social Life.”
Call us!
(716) 324-5100
[email protected]
personcenteredservices.com
560 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202
April 2019 WNY Family 45