Welcome to Special Needs Abu Dhabi

Raising a child with special needs can be, in itself, quite challenging. Raising a child with special needs in a new country seems to add much more to that challenge. I started this blog shortly after my husband and I, and our two sons, moved to Abu Dhabi in the summer of 2009. We lived there for under 2 years and are now living back in the United States.


Our oldest son, AJ, has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Finding the resources in Abu Dhabi to help him with his special needs was an ongoing effort. In the U.S., the public school system provides testing, accommodations, and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for students with special needs, so we were spoiled there -- and dismayed at the seemingly apparent shortage of resources available to ex-patriot families (aka "ex-pats") in Abu Dhabi.


There are resources available in Abu Dhabi -- you just have to know where to look. Which is why I started this blog. My hope was to bring together in one place information to help parents of kids with special needs... so you will at least have a starting point. I also wanted this to be a place where we can reach out and support one another with advice and sometimes just a shoulder to lean on.


We have been back in the U.S. for about a year now, and I haven't written on the blog since the move -- until now. There have been a few parents who found the blog and wrote to me for advice -- and I have been happy to give it. I'm glad that it continues to serve its original purpose of helping ex-pat parents to find resources in Abu Dhabi to help their kids with special needs.


Recently, I have begun feeling the need to write again, but I've been unsure how to move ahead with the blog. In hindsight, I don't know if life is any less challenging in the U.S. than it was in Abu Dhabi. There are still daily struggles. I continue to advocate for my son who has ADHD -- to get him the help in school and in life that he needs in order to thrive, learn and grow. There have been steps forward and backward. I have felt hopeless and hopeful.


If you are in Abu Dhabi, or considering a move there, please leave a comment. If you know of resources that you've found helpful, let me know and I'll add them to the list. If you come across an article or book that has made a difference in your child's life, please share. Most of all, I hope you will share your stories. Wherever you are, it's good to know you're not alone.


Thanks for coming by.


For our kids,

Karen

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Lessons I've Learned

I've learned that it's not worth fighting about breakfast every morning, trying to get AJ to eat something. So, I make him pancakes every morning -- with bananas (or pumpkin) mixed in, and chocolate chips. Breakfast-time is much more calm now.

I've learned that he needs transition time for any change about to come up -- like a 5-minute warning that it will be time to put shoes on and go to the bathroom before we head out the door for school; like the 10-minute warning that TV time is about to be over; like the 10-minute warning time that it will be time to leave his playdate; etc. I've learned the hard way, that without that transition warning, he may end up having a tantrum or crying.

I've learned that I should not get angry with him when he wakes up 3-4 times during the night. He goes back to sleep in his own bed much easier if I remain calm and quiet and gently lead him back to bed. I've learned that the night he wakes up the most is Saturday night -- before school starts after the weekend. (Weekends in Abu Dhabi are Fridays and Saturdays.) I remember I was the same way back when I was in school. Anxiety creeps in.

I've learned that "heavy work" is good for him, especially in the evenings. Like -- I've learned that he loves to vacuum! The pushing and pulling of the vacuum really helps him -- he actually asks to do it!


I've learned not to get upset about the sofa cushions getting messed up. He's getting sensory input by jumping on them and squeezing himself between them.

I've learned it's nice to have a hammock in the house! He loves being swung back and forth in it.

I've learned he sleeps better with his mattress on the floor instead of up high in the bunk bed he begged for a year ago.

I've learned to be patient during homework time. He stresses so much about his handwriting. I just wish I could make it easier for him.

I've learned the Nintendo DS is my friend on long car rides.

I've learned that AJ is a very affectionate, loving, gentle and adorable little boy with a heart full of goodness and do-better wishes.

I've learned that guilt is crippling. I don't have the time for it, or the room in my heart for it. So I try to let it go when it creeps in and focus on doing better next time.

I've learned a new purpose for all the alarms on my mobile phone -- 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM... as a reminder to bre-e-e-e-e-eathe.

I've learned that a mom has to do what a mom has to do sometimes -- like hide veggies in spaghetti sauce and cookies, in milkshakes and even in Nutella.


I've learned that I have to take care of myself to be able to take care of my family. So... bye for now.

For our kids,
Karen

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