When a child has been given a diagnosis, has special needs and/or has sensory processing challenges, parental dreams and aspirations should not be abandoned but instead supported.
Dreams or aspirations might include:
- taking the child to the parent's favourite team sport such as a football match
- going on a family holiday to visit the theme parks or a trip overseas to see the sites and visit relatives
- attending and being included in mainstream facilities for all the educational and social experiences that they can provide
- going to see a film or the Theatre
- going to a concert of a favourite band or performer
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- attending a dance school and participating in competitions
- joining a gym club
- attending community-based programs
- learning to play a particular sport e.g., tennis, marital arts or play a musical instrument
- joining a performing group and being on stage
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- attending and enjoying annual events like school Nativity of Halloween trick or treating
- developing and maintaining close friendships
- being invited to peer birthday parties or other social events and enjoying the experience
- being able to attend the hairdresser for a haircut or sit in the chair at the dentist for a check-up or go to the zoo or a wildlife park or an indoor playground or cafe: feel at ease and not be overwhelmed
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Parental dreams and aspirations should be held onto, and families given hope that anything is possible given time, adequate preparation, sensitivity and support.
