Finding Good Medical Professionals for Kids with Disabilities

Pamela Wilson of Bella Online has written an informative and supportive guide for parents of children with disabilities who are trying to find good doctors or other health professionals for their kids. "Asking More from Medical Professionals" includes several paragraphs of tips and discussion, followed by links to other resources.

Some of the tips include

• For parents whose children have a condition or health problem that is new to the family, it may be helpful to seek out an adult with the same diagnosis to learn more about their children's healthcare needs. 

• Another serious consideration is how comfortably staff and doctors relate to the child during medical visits, exams and discussions. When we take our children in to their medical appointments, we are teaching them how to be lifelong advocates for themselves. Staff who do not treat babies and children with respect, consideration and kindness teach them to expect very little from alternate caregivers. 

• It could be that it is easier and of greater benefit to your child to establish a relationship with a good doctor and provide them with up to date information about your child's condition than to trust in a medical professional who seems to have the reputation of having 'many patients' with your child's condition. 

• A doctor who knows your child as an individual is much more likely to attribute uncharacteristic behaviors or other symptoms to an additional developing medical condition. Families of children who do have or will develop a dual diagnosis need medical professionals who will listen to their concerns and observations. That in itself can save a child's life.

Links are provided to numerous other articles and discussions of relevance, including how to talk to your child's doctor, pain management, "Breaking Up with Doctor Normal," and posts on topics such as discrimination, disability, and advocacy in medical settings.

Read the post on Bella Online.