Special needs

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15 Scriptures To Pray For Your Child with Special Needs

As a special needs parent we learn to advocate for our children—with insurance companies, with doctors and specialists, with schools, within churches, and within the community. But one of the best ways to advocate for your child is on your knees before the throne of God . We know we should pray, and I've experienced how painful it can be to pray for God to move mountains for our children in ways that are not in His will or timing, and then we grow discouraged by prayer, and begin to question God’s love and care for us and our children. I have found the practice of praying Scripture is one of the best ways to combat this discouragement, because we are aligning our prayers and desires with God’s own Word and His desires . There is power in God's Word, and there's also power in our prayers. When you combine those two powers together, wow, get ready to see God move in mighty ways in your children's lives, but also in your heart.

Praying Scripture

Encouraging Scriptures For When Your Child Has A Speech Delay

My younger son has a speech delay, my older son has apraxia —a neurological speech disorder that requires frequent and intensive speech therapy to learn to speak. He didn't say his first words until he was almost four. Devastated by the lack of conversations I got to have with my children, one day I turned to Scripture. Surely there was a passage or verse about speech that would encourage me, right? Yes there was. I was astounded by the hundreds of Scriptures that referenced words and speech and speaking and declaring. Some of them I found especially encouraging as I worked with my sons and their speech difficulties, and I will share my favorites with you below. But what also encouraged me is how many times in Scripture we see a story of a Bible character with a disability of some kind, and we see that they were not overlooked, but lavished with love and compassion and care by God and by Jesus. Each story was a beautiful reminder that God loves and pursues us and our children too.

Praying Scripture

Bibles For Children with Special Needs to Help Them Access God's Word

My older son (age 12) has hearing loss, a speech disorder, and a few learning disabilities, and my younger son (age 9) is on the autism spectrum, but I don't want their diagnoses to stop them from learning about and loving God's Word. There are so many Bibles to choose from, I decided I would share with you the Bibles that I have read with my own children or that I've heard great things about from other special needs parents. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Updated: September 2024 This was one of the first Bibles I read with my kids and they loved it. It is brightly colored with cartoon-like illustrations in simple language that help the stories come alive for our children. This beautifully illustrated Bible is great for those who are unable to read on their own or just learning to read.

Resources

20 Scriptures For Special Needs Parents To Pray

I've found turning to scripture and being reminded of God's character (and that even our favorite Bible heroes had their own struggles in their lives) to be very encouraging in all the challenges that come with special needs parenting. The special needs parenting journey can be lonely. It can be overwhelming. It can lead to a deep grief, depression, and/or an overwhelming anxiety you've never experienced before. You may be struggling in your faith and believing that God is good and cares for you and your child(ren). I know the struggles well, because both of my precious sons have multiple diagnoses. Below are 20 of my favorite scriptures that have encouraged me on my special needs parenting journey, and I pray it does for you too. If you subscribe at the bottom of this article, you'll receive a free printable of this list of scriptures, plus verses to pray for your child with special needs. You could print out the list and keep it in your Bible or war room binder for during your prayer time.

Praying Scripture

A Prayer for Your Child with Special Needs

I have two sons, ages 12 and 14, both in middle school. Between the two of them, we’re at 14 diagnoses and counting. They are my greatest pride and joy, and to be honest, my greatest source of stress and worry. I’ve never prayed for anything in my life as much as I’ve prayed for these two. Maybe you can relate, and that’s why you’ve found yourself here. There are many things we can be praying for our child with special needs, but here is a prayer to cover them from head to toe. I love incorporating God’s Word in my prayers , so you’ll find God’s Word and the Scripture references throughout. Make it personal to your child and their needs. May this prayer encourage your prayers for your child(ren). Heavenly Father, I thank you for ___ (child’s name). I know that ___ is a gift from you, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 149:13). I thank you for gifting ___ with a unique personality, gifts, strengths, and talents, especially for ___ (share with God the things you love about your child).

Praying Scripture

Books for the Christian Special Needs Parent In Need of Encouragement

If you're a parent raising a child (or children) with special needs, you know the ache, the loneliness, the worry and fear that can become consuming if you let it. You can find yourself struggling with grief, anxiety, and/or depression, and experience a crisis of faith. You need all the help and support and encouragement and faith and hope you can get. I've been there—I have two boys who both have special needs. And I also love reading. So I'm in my happy place when I stumble across a book that can encourage or enlighten me on this special needs parenting journey. Below are several of my favorites that I often recommend to other special needs parents. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. You can see a list of these recommended books for special needs parents on Amazon here .

Books

Supporting Families with Children with Special Needs at Church

Dear Fellow Church Members, I am the mother of not one, but two children with special needs. We have moved three times in the last five years, requiring us to find a new church family, and while it can be challenging to find a new church community that our family can thrive in, it becomes even harder when you're not sure if every member of your own family will be fully accepted and loved for who they are. It's estimated that around 90% of special needs families do not attend church . While I don't know if this heartbreakingly high number is because not all of these families are Christian, I do know that there are lots of Christian special needs families who do not attend church because it is too hard to get there on Sundays. Because the church is not accommodating their children and church is more of a burden than a family. Because they've been hurt by comments their fellow church members or ministry workers have said to them.

Ministry

Great Books Featuring Young Characters With Disabilities

I am a middle school English teacher who is always reading (and recommending to my students) books I think they'll enjoy. I am also the mother of two boys who both have special needs. I am drawn to books that teach my boys they are not the only ones with different abilities and special needs. And I love introducing my students and my own children into the worlds of children with disabilities as well. We live in a diverse world, where each and every person is created differently, and I love seeing diversity in our literature. Especially since stories are such a great vehicle to help us understand and appreciate cultures, worlds, and abilities that are different than ours. Books and stories are some of the best tools we have to teach our children about new things and new concepts, as well as teach them empathy by putting them in other characters' shoes and imagining what their life is like.

Books

Online Support Groups for Christian Special Needs Parents

When I found myself suddenly thrown into the world of special needs parenting, the stress and isolation was overwhelming. Sure, I learned a lot from books and Google, but I found support in Facebook groups. There were groups for special needs parents in general, as well as for specific disorders and diagnoses, and it felt good to find others who knew the lingo and the struggles and the victories that come with special needs parenting. It felt good to have community with other special needs parents, even if it was just online. But I couldn't find a good group for Christian special needs parents, and that is what I desperately needed. The anxiety and faith-questions I experienced were not solved in my church or my Bible study group, it would only be met by meeting with other Christian special needs parents, even if it was online. These groups are a safe place to share prayer requests, find resources and encouragement, and find a community of people who truly get it.

Resources

For the Special Needs Mama Who Feels She's Not Doing Enough

One day, it felt like everything that could go wrong on a simple outing with my two boys with special needs, did go wrong. We experienced not one, not two, but three epic meltdowns. My older son was teased and called a baby by some peers because of his limited speech. My younger son went into sensory overload and pushed a toddler who kept getting into his space, and his mother angrily told me how agressive my son was and how I should be able to control him. On and on it went, and I left the flop of an outing, buckled my boys in the car and cried all the way home. When we got home, I put on a movie for the boys to watch so I could have some time alone. I sat at my computer, mindlessly scrolling through Facebook, feeling like an epic failure of a mom. Wondering what I could have done differently. Wondering what I should have said to that mother accusing my son of being aggressive and to those kids teasing my son.

Parenting

Why Being a Special Needs Parent Isn't Something to Fear

I overheard two expectant mamas talking in a Chick-fil-A play area. They sat together on one bench, while their 3 or 4 year-old boys played together, and they each were expecting a boy. I watched my own two boys play with these soon to be big brothers. These mamas chatted about pregnancy woes and pediatricians. And then the conversation took an unexpected turn. One of the mamas confessed that she's constantly having fears that something will go wrong with the baby. It even keeps her up at night. What if her child has a disability? And the other mother agreed, saying that she worries about it too and she pities those who have a child with a disability or special needs. Stunned by the statements made, I looked up at our four boys all playing together. One of mine was flapping his hands and humming to himself, but following the other boys in their little game.

Parenting

Embracing God's Love As A Special Needs Parent

One day I was experiencing an unusually hard day. I was frustrated with my children who had missed their nap because we had been at an appointment that lasted way longer than it should have and now they were fussy and tired. I spent over an hour on the phone with a doctor's office and insurance and still hadn't gotten the issue resolved. I was tired and cranky myself and I asked God, "Where are you in all of this? Why aren't you helping me?" I desperately wanted to be alone with God, but the kiddos needed dinner and attention. And then, bedtime rolled around. After my older son, about four years old at the time, was all snuggled in bed and we had read his book before bed, we prayed together. Sometimes I did the praying, sometimes I did it fill in the blank style as he could only say one or two-word phrases. I decided to go with the fill-in-the-blank prayer. I prompted him, “Thank You, God, for ______.

Parenting

What Charles Dickens Teaches Us About Disability in His Christmas Novellas

Every December, my 7th grade students read A Christmas Carol . It's one of my favorite books I teach, there’s so much to learn and discuss and analyze from that book. This past weekend I decided to spend my Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and read another Christmas novella of Charles Dickens, titled A Cricket on the Hearth . I think we all know the story of A Christmas Carol (1843), but A Cricket on the Hearth (1845) is not as common, about a rich, prideful toy merchant named Tackleton and his poor employee, the toymaker Caleb Plummer and his daughter, Bertha, who is blind (does this sound reminiscent of A Christmas Carol ? Yep, but the rest of the story is very different, though I won’t focus on that). Charles Dickens includes themes of wealth and poverty into all his stories, due to his background of having his father thrown into debtor’s prison, and so Dickens at age 12 dropped out of school to work in a factory to help pay off his father’s debts and to help provide for his family.

Advent

The Four Things Christian Special Needs Parents Don't Want To Hear

I'm a mama of two boys with over a dozen diagnoses between them. My life can easily be consumed by their needs, their therapy appointments, their diets, etc. My faith has struggled along this journey. It is a hard and lonely path, I am not going to lie. I know people mean well and are trying to be encouraging when they tell me a few commonly heard phrases. But those phrases, though meant well, are simply not true and can in fact be very discouraging. I'll admit, there have been times when I haven't known what to say to people who are hurting. Especially if I haven't been in their shoes. To help you know what to say to a Christian special needs parent who is struggling in life and in their faith, here are four things to not say, and what you could say and do to truly encourage them: If someone says this phrase to you, it makes you feel guilty, like you should be able to handle all the challenges life throws your way on your own.

Ministry

Resources For Parents of a Child with Apraxia

Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that affects a child's ability to talk. A child with apraxia knows what they want to say, but cannot figure out how to get the lips, mouth, and tongue to cooperate. It requires intensive and frequent speech therapy for a child with apraxia to learn and practice how to talk properly. My older son has apraxia of speech. My younger son has a diagnosis of autism that includes a speech delay and articulation issues as well. When I wasn't running my boys to a million therapies every week (or so it felt) I was devouring every resource I could on how to help my boys with their speech, their development, their health. I've compiled a few of my favorite resources that I found most helpful for helping a child with apraxia. I hope you find a resource (or several!) that will help you with your own apraxia journey. Apraxia-Kids Official Support Group . First of all, if you haven't checked out the Apraxia-Kids website you need to.

Resources

How You and Your Special Needs Child Are Blooming

I went for a walk the other day, just soaking in God's creation unfurling after a long winter, when I happened upon a flower growing through a crack in the road. At first, I was sad for it. There was a beautiful garden about five feet away from this flower, where its friends were growing. And here was this flower, all by itself, growing in such a hard and unlikely place to grow. But then, my perspective changed and I was suddenly proud of this lone flower. It did exactly what it was created to do: spread its roots and grow and bloom and share its color and beauty with the world, despite its unusual circumstances. It could have withered up and died, but it was blooming. And as I marvelled at God's creation a new thought struck me: My children are not in the garden I expected them to grow in. I expected them to thrive at play dates and in school, and instead they struggle in those environments.

Parenting

4 Tips for the Christian Parent Overwhelmed with Your Child’s Diagnosis

When your child receives a diagnosis, (or several, like both of my sons) it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by emotions, overwhelmed by all the things to learn and do to care for your child, overwhelmed by your child's appointments or behaviors or their future. I've been there, and this is what I would have told myself, or any overwhelmed parent looking for advice. When your child receives a diagnosis, sometimes it brings relief. To have a name for your child’s struggles, to be able to research the diagnosis and be able to get your child the specialists and services and supports your child needs is huge. But sometimes it brings grief. The plans and expectations you had for your child and for parenthood have been shattered. It’s ok to grieve that. Take time to process how you’re really feeling. Ask God your questions. He can handle them. But also, take time to humbly listen to His answers. He will teach you a lot on this special needs parenting journey.

Parenting

Podcasts That Provide Hope For Christian Special Needs Parents

I find it encouraging to listen to podcasts around topics I'm interested in and want to grow in while I'm on the road, going for a walk, or folding the laundry. As a Christian who writes about special needs parenting and special needs ministry I've had the honor of meeting several of these podcast hosts at various conferences or through social media, and some of them have given me the joy of being a guest on their awesome podcast. :) Anyway, without any further ado, some of my favorite encouraging podcasts for Christian special needs parents by special needs parents: Last updated April 2025 "Rising Above Ministries is lifting up the special needs community through support, encouragement, inspiration, and community." Rising Above is a ministry that supports Christian special needs parents, not only on their website and on social media, but they also have online small groups, retreats and other events for special needs caregivers, and so much more.

Resources

15 Scriptures Special Needs Parents Can Pray for Their Marriage

Marriage can have plenty of challenges on its own. When you add in the extra challenges and stress and financial burden of a child or children with special needs, well, things can get even harder. Both of my sons have special needs and when they kept getting diagnosis after diagnosis, our marriage (and our budget) felt the strain. Instead of acting like teammates and working together to best support our family, we sometimes treated each other like opponents that we needed to convince to join our side and our opinion, and other times we lived like mere acquaintances, each going about our own tasks and busy lives with little connection. I expected my husband to do certain things for me and our family and when he didn’t, my frustration or anger grew. One day I stumbled upon a Scripture that changed everything for me and my marriage. It was “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Praying Scripture

5 Things I'm Thankful For As A Special Needs Parent

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I just love the opportunity to gather with loved ones and reflect on all the things we are grateful for, realize how blessed we truly are, all while eating some amazing food. Though, I'll be honest, my kids don't eat the whole smorgasboard. The rolls and a few bites of turkey maybe. But back to being thankful.... "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV There always is something to be thankful for, and focusing on the blessings and the things we’re grateful for is wonderful for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Although I don't always love the special needs parenting journey I am on, there are plenty of things I am thankful for. By focusing on the things we are thankful for, we can set aside our worries and constant striving, and simply rest in the good things we do have.

Thanksgiving

Embracing Joy No Matter What Our Circumstances Look Like

I met Adria Wilkins last year at a local writing event. My first impression of her was that she was a smiley, joyful person. She radiates joy. We connected over the fact we were both writers AND that we both had experience as special needs mothers. And then she shared with me her story, one that I wasn’t expecting from someone so joyful. Her precious son, Blake, had passed away when he was three, and despite that great loss Adria was now about to publish a book about finding joy. In her grief, Adria sought the Lord and found that "Jesus sustains, and even surprises His followers with joy." A few weeks ago I got to celebrate with her at her book launch party of The Joy Box Journal . Adria lives joy and she wrote a book about it, and I am so proud to call her friend. And now, without any further ado, here are some thoughts from Adria Wilkins, some of which are excerpts from her newly released Joy Box Journal : “For we are God’s handiwork.

Perseverance

Praying Scripture as a Special Needs Parent

Both of my sons have multiple diagnoses, and I prayed fervently for God to miraculously heal my children. It didn't happen, and I wondered if I didn't have enough faith, or if God was truly a mountain moving God. My new crisis of faith scared me, and I stumbled upon Beth Moore's book Praying God's Word that changed a lot of things for me. Inspired by that book, I determined to pray Scripture for my boys. My younger son has a speech delay, my older son a neurological-based speech disorder called apraxia that requires frequent and intensive speech therapy to learn to speak. He didn’t say his first words until he was almost four. Devastated by the lack of conversations I had with my children, I decided I would first find Scriptures to pray for their speech . Before long, I found two verses relating to words and speech that jumped out at me. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:10,“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Praying Scripture

Scripture-Based Prayers for Christian Special Needs Mothers

As a mother with two sons with special needs, I have seen the power that praying God's Word has on aligning your will with God's will for your faith, your children, and your life. I have created for you a six page resource guide of Scripture-based prayers to pray as a special needs parent. This free, 6 page printable guide includes: ◊ 20 Scripture-Based Prayers for Special Needs Parents – A printable list of prayers grounded in God's Word to remind you of God’s love, His truth, and His plan for you, your family, and your child(ren). ◊ 15 Scripture-Based Prayers to Pray For Your Special Needs Child(ren) – As a special needs parent we learn to advocate for our children. But this printable list will provide you with Scriptures so you advocate for your child on your knees before the throne of God with the powerful Word of God. <p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="https://embracingthisspeciallife.substack.

Resources

Embracing Life and Spiritual Victory as a Christian Special Needs Mother

This special needs parenting journey is no joke. And being a Christian special needs parent adds in the struggle of trusting that God has a plan for your good and your child's good amidst all the worries, appointments, struggles, and the isolation that comes with special needs parenting. Believe me, I know. I have two sons and between the two of them, we are at twelve diagnoses and counting. I went through my own crisis of faith, spiraling into a pit of alternating anxiety and depression. I had two boys under the age of four with various diagnoses. My older son had diagnoses of hearing loss, apraxia (a neurological disorder that affected his speech and other areas), and pretty much every type of processing disorder there was. My younger son had a diagnosis of autism and anxiety. My life was filled with therapies and specialists, with anxiety and depression, with loneliness and anger toward God. And one day, while asking God yet again “Why?” He whispered just one word to my anxious, grieving heart.

Parenting

A Manifesto for Christian Special Needs Mothers

This special needs parenting journey is no joke. And being a Christian special needs parent adds the struggle of trusting that God has a plan for your good and your child's good amidst all the worries, appointments, struggles and the isolation that comes with special needs parenting. Believe me, I know. I have two sons and between the two of them, we are at twelve diagnoses and counting. I went through my own crisis of faith, spiraling into a pit of alternating anxiety and depression. But God helped me find victory and purpose in the special needs parenting journey. Sure, I still struggle. But I'm learning to embrace this special life. And I wanted to share with you a manifesto I wrote to help me in this special needs journey. I read it whenever I'm feeling down or discouraged. I have a copy tucked into my Bible.

Resources

Four Ways To Embrace And Support Your Child with Special Needs

We love our children fiercely. Like Maya says in the second episode of Speechless, when told to not worry about her son JJ, who has cerebral palsy, she said "I can't. He's my whole world." I totally get what she's saying. Both of my sons have special needs and they feel like a large portion of my world, my time, my energy, my love, and my worries. Our schedules revolve around their therapies and appointments and meeting their needs. There are times we compare our children to other children and wish things came easier. We worry about milestones and every single inch in-between. So with all these extra challenges, how do we strive to embrace our children who are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14), just as they are? It's so easy to see how far our child has to go to catch up with their peers. To see how little progress they've made. But we have to be intentional to focus on the positive. To focus on each and every victory, no matter how small it may seem.

Parenting

Embracing Your Identity When You Feel Like Just a Special Needs Parent

I remember a time, several years ago when my kids were about two and four, when I joined a MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. I was excited to have provided childcare and a break from all the therapies and to be able to have adult conversation with other moms and a little bit of spiritual encouragement as well. At the beginning of the first meeting we were supposed to introduce ourselves to the other moms at our round table by saying our name and three quick facts about ourselves. When it was my turn I said "My name is Jenn and I have two boys and I'm a special needs mom and ...um..." I froze. My life revolved around both of my kids' needs and endless appointments and I couldn't think of a single other thing to say about me. The table leader gently added, "and you're a beloved daughter of the King," before calling on the next mom to introduce herself. I smiled gratefully at her, but the whole situation and her words left my mind whirling.

Parenting

An Encouraging Bible Verse For Overwhelmed Special Needs Parents

There’s a verse in Isaiah that I have found very encouraging and reassuring for parents, especially as a parent of two children with special needs. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11 You may be familiar with Psalm 23, “The Lord is our Shepherd,” as well as in John 10, when Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd that lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). Both are an encouraging metaphor for just how much God loves and provides for each of us. Sheep are not very smart animals. They can’t defend themselves. They can’t find their own food or water. They won’t rest when they need to. And the flies and other bugs will bother their eyes and ears and nostrils so much that the sheep will bash their heads against rocks and trees to find relief—hence the reason the shepherd anoints the sheep’s head with oil.

Parenting

Encouragement for Special Needs Parents From Finding Nemo and Finding Dory

I've watched Finding Nemo and Finding Dory multiple times, but it didn't hit me until recently that both Nemo's and Dory's parents are special needs parents and they have different approaches to raising their children that have encouraged me in the way I parent my own special needs children. Nemo's dad Marlin, is very fearful and overprotective, longing to keep Nemo close and afraid to let him try new things. At one point Marlin even tells Nemo, "You think you can do these things, Nemo, but you just can't !" You can see the hurt in Nemo's face. If Nemo had believed his dad, there would be no Finding Nemo or Finding Dory. It would be a boring, lonely story of staying safe in their sea anemone home. But Nemo is determined to prove his dad wrong. And slowly, bit by bit, Marlin bravely gives his son opportunities to try new things. To grow and learn on his own. To not hold him back because of his "lucky fin.

Parenting

Essential Oils to Help Your Child with Special Needs

There are so many testimonies of people experiencing positive changes to their health or their children's health after using essential oils that I just had to give it a try for myself and for my two sons who both have special needs. I've since fallen in love with essential oils and don't know what I would do without them! Essential oils are the oils extracted from plant parts (flowers, bark, leaves, etc) used for aromatic or medicinal purposes. Each oil has different benefits for our physical and emotional health. With essential oils you get what you pay for, and so I only recommend Young Living or DoTerra essential oils, though I personally am a member of Young Living  and enjoy a 24% off discount and would be happy to help you get signed up and help answer any questions you have about Young Living and oils for your special needs child(ren) if you are interested.

Essential Oils

Helping Individuals with Disabilities Experience the Gift of Prayer

I'm a mother of two teenage sons who both have special needs. And I serve in the disability ministry at my church, loving on individuals aged 16 and above (who I will call my friends throughout this article) who have disabilities. I love teaching about prayer, especially praying Scripture, and I've been on the lookout for resources to help my children and my friends grow in their own prayer life and their relationship with God. I'll share three strategies I use to help my kids and my friends pray. And then I'll share several resources you may find helpful for working with your own children, students, or individuals you serve in ministry (who I'll refer to as your friend or friends in this article). Disclosure: some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item on Amazon, I will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my ministry with your purchases! Pray with them, not just for them.

Ministry

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed Special Needs Parent

I have two sons who both have several diagnoses between them. Parenting them has been the most challenging, stressful journey I've ever been on. But it has also what has led me to grow so much closer to God. To grow deeper in my faith. I don't think I could have made it in this special needs parenting journey without God. Praying Scripture has really helped me learn to align my will for my life and my children with God's will. And so, below you'll find a Scripture-filled prayer to pray. You, your child(ren), and your heart matter so much to God, and so with that in mind, please join me in praying this prayer: Heavenly Father, Today we come before You to lift up this weary and overwhelmed special needs parent before Your throne (Hebrews 4:16). I pray that You would bring peace to their weary bodies and worried minds (John 14:27). I pray that they would rest in Your loving hands and feel Your perfect peace and love flow over them. I pray that You would guide their steps.

Praying Scripture

A Prayer for Your Child's Upcoming IEP Meeting

IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings are something many parents approach with a mix of anxiety and dread. Sitting down with teachers, specialists, and school staff to discuss your child's progress and needs can feel overwhelming. The responsibility of advocating for your child—making sure they receive the right support, services, and accommodations—can feel daunting and stressful. Seeing the results of testing done on your child, or the amount of progress your child has made on previous goals, can stir up grief. As both a former middle school English teacher and a mom of two sons in public school with special needs, I’ve been on both sides of the IEP table. Over the years, I’ve come to genuinely appreciate these meetings. I look forward to connecting with the team supporting my children, hearing the strengths they see, and working together to address the areas where my kids are struggling.

Praying Scripture

Embracing Community as a Special Needs Parent

Being a special needs parent can be a challenging and isolating journey. As human beings, we are designed to need each other to support and encourage each other, and I begged God to send me someone, or several someones who could be my friends and my support on this challenging special needs parenting journey I was traveling. The first connections I found were online on special needs parenting Facebook groups. It felt great to know there were people in the world in similar situations who could share their questions, their struggles and victories and be general support. (By the way, if you're a Christian special needs mama on Facebook, I encourage you to join our Facebook group where we encourage, support, and pray for one another in our special needs parenting journey.) But what our hearts truly need is a face-to-face friend. Someone we can call or text or meet for coffee and share our hearts' struggles and desires.

Community

Potty Training Tips for Your Child with Special Needs

I am the proud mama of two kiddos who happen to be on the autism spectrum, have speech delays/disorders, and sensory processing disorder. I've read articles and follow Facebook support groups for parents who have children with special needs. And in all the support groups I participate in, I see over and over questions about potty training. So, I have to admit, I avoided potty training as long as possible for both my boys. Meaning, I didn't even attempt potty training until they were each about 3 1/2 years old. I honestly didn't expect success, but I was determined to give it my best shot. I found this three day potty training method that I decided to follow, and determined to stop procrastinating and bite the bullet and see if the kiddos were ready to potty train. Using this three day potty training method, my older son was indeed fully potty trained in three days, and my younger son took about three weeks to master it, using the exact same method.

Parenting