In recent weeks, I’ve been open about our decision to acquire a psychiatric service dog for my 11-year-old son, Alex. Over the past several months, I have shared insights into the various therapies and interventions we engage in for my two wonderful boys who have special needs. For three years, I have attempted to convey, while maintaining my children’s privacy, the realities of our everyday life.
We are learning to thrive despite multiple diagnoses, a process largely influenced by the treatment choices we have made.
Since sharing the story about our service dog, I have been encouraged by the responses from other families who have pursued similar paths with positive outcomes. I’ve connected with many moms online who are exploring the same options, eager to gather as much information as they can.
However, I also receive comments and messages that pose a familiar, somewhat accusatory question: “Does he really need it?” or “Does my child with special needs truly require these treatments and therapies?”
The straightforward answer is yes. The more nuanced and complex response is this: He needs something. He is facing challenges, and it’s our responsibility to support him in the best way possible. The truth is, we can never be entirely certain which therapies or treatments will yield positive results; it often feels like tossing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.
It’s not just us as parents who navigate this uncertainty. Medical professionals working with children who have complicated medical and psychiatric needs will tell you the same: there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one child may not work for another. Hence, we try various approaches until we discover what resonates best.
Now, let me offer my more candid response, born from exhaustion: No one pursues these interventions for fun. No one would invest their last resources in obtaining a service dog if they hadn’t considered the need beforehand. No parent enjoys filling out endless forms and facing scrutiny when seeking therapy that their insurance might deny. No one relishes the experience of coaxing their child into the chair for yet another blood test.
The reality is that we are not undertaking every suggestion we receive. Recommendations for speech therapy, physical therapy, educational therapy, and additional medications have all been made for my sons. However, due to various constraints, including time limitations, we are not currently pursuing all of them. We might in the future, or we may not.
Every decision regarding my sons’ treatment plans is made thoughtfully, balancing the necessity of interventions with other commitments and resources. Our approach is dynamic; it evolves based on their progress, age, needs, and yes, financial considerations. We strive to do our utmost for our children, and while we may not always get it right, we are doing our best given our situation.
Sometimes we celebrate significant breakthroughs; other times, we face setbacks. But I assure you, we have never concluded a day asking ourselves what additional burden we can take on.
So, does my son need these interventions? Absolutely. He requires all of them and more on a daily basis. I am grateful that we have the means to provide them and thankful to witness progress and healing as a result of our efforts.
This is the reason I share our journey—to foster understanding, encourage collaboration among parents, and offer support to one another. More than any therapeutic approach, we need compassion, grace, and the reassurance that we are not alone. This is true for my son, for me, and likely for you as well.
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Summary
Navigating the landscape of treatments and therapies for children with special needs can be complex and challenging. Parents often face skepticism and must make difficult decisions regarding interventions. While every child’s needs are unique, it is crucial to explore different options for support and healing. Ultimately, compassion and community are vital in this journey.
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