Many California parents know their children will need some assistance with their schooling, but it may not be as easy to receive it as they hope. The term “special needs” covers a variety of issues and conditions, and parents may find themselves needing to aggressively advocate for their children with a California school district. Understanding what types of issues may fall into the term could help.
There are numerous reasons why your child may need assistance in school, and many of them fall into the categories listed below:
- Behavioral issues, such as fetal alcohol syndrome or ADHD
- Medical issues, including congenital, chronic and serious conditions such as cancer or cystic fibrosis
- Mental health issues, such as attachment difficulties, anxiety or depression
- Learning issues, including dyslexia or auditory processing disorder
The above is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it does give California parents an idea of the breadth of issues and conditions that could qualify their children for special education programs in school.
Learning can be challenging enough without having to attempt to keep up with the general education curriculum. If a child needs assistance in order to get the best education possible, then a school district here in Orange County or elsewhere ought to provide it. However, the process may require some research, evidence and a convincing argument.
Parents may find they are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to this issue. Under these circumstances, it would most likely be beneficial to work with an attorney who specializes in special education law. An attorney with this type of background understands the process of helping a special needs child receive the educational assistance he or she needs, especially considering the current circumstances.