Nearly one out of every 88 children in the pediatric population are diagnosed with autism. Nearly 2.8 million of the 53.9 million school-aged children from ages five to 17 were reported to have some form of disability as of 2010. Many of these children rely on specialized medical care to maintain and enhance their lives. Specialized caregivers can provide support for families struggling to adapt to their children’s needs. With such a high percentage of the pediatric population specializing in providing quality care, it may help parents to know that there is always help available if they need it.
Medical and Therapeutic Care
Breakthroughs in research and medicine are coming up with solutions to a myriad of disabilities every year. Many children that struggle with a disability can benefit from continued physical therapy sessions to potentially overcome that disability and thrive. Children with autism especially benefit from the social interactions gained through group therapy; many specialized care facilities are equipped with specialized equipment that children with autism respond well to like weighted blankets.
Education
Today, one out of every 9 children under the age of 18 are receiving some form of special education. While many schools can accommodate special needs students, not all programs are treated equal. Private, special needs schools are sprouting up all around the country with specially trained educators and caregivers that have experience working with autism and other disabilities. These programs are student-centered, allowing the schools to construct a uniquely-tailored learning plan to emphasize each child’s strengths and help build up their weaknesses.
Home Care Services
The United States Census has shown that nearly one out of every 26 American families have raised children with some form of disability. Depending on the depth and severity of that disability, some parents have sought outside aid in the form of an at home care service. The popularity of such services reached 13 million as of 2000, with estimates climbing up to 27 million by the year 2050.