Having a child under ideal circumstances (is there anyone who does?) paints a picture that is rosy, easy and carefree; where everyone loves each other all the time, no one ever quarrels or bickers, no one is ever cranky, bossy, or in a bad mood; there is all the money, time and patience one needs, and perfection is a daily given.
These are the kinds of tales and scenarios that were prevalent on 1950s TV family sitcoms, but they are not the stuff of “real life,” as we all know so well.
We get pregnant and we are overwhelmed with joy at the anticipation and the expectation of a fully healthy and perfect new baby arriving for us to raise and take joy in. We wait for perfections that seldom manifest and it’s a rare couple who are prepared for the fantasy to crumble and the arrival or development of a challenged child.
Being a parent of a Special Needs Child is daunting at the least and heroic at the best. It is scary, disappointing, and demanding. It is not, however, necessarily isolating and does not need to be without support, guidance, or community. There is much help, assistance and directional expertise throughout the New York area, and this magazine attempts, through twice-yearly printing and in our online version, to address positive approaches and to tackle the questions parents may be asking.
Experts throughout the metro area, and even beyond, have, and continue to be, generous contributors of valuable information to help make parenting a Special Child easier and clearer.
These magazines and their content come straight from our hearts and we publish them because there is a need and a demand for information. We are all parents here and we are all also someone’s child. We are woven into the fabric of the family experience and our core motivation is to help and inform.
Three and a half years ago, my colleague Sharon Noble and I began this journey that has turned out to be an education for all of us. Being in contact with the devoted people providing services, help and tutorial assistance for children who need special care and attention has been a real eye opener. We have spoken to extraordinary people and have gotten to know the stories of many of our readers.
We are grateful to all of you and hope to have more feedback and more input for those of you who are interested. Please contact us and tell us your stories. Personal essays are appreciated. Have a great summer and thanks for reading!
