• Rules and Discipline – Ultimately, your goal is to help your child become the most independent person they can be. How do you give them freedom – especially the freedom to goof up – and keep them on track? The linked article has some great suggestions. Set a few clear rules and expectations and make sure you and your child both agree as to what they are. Be consistent when you must discipline. Avoid random punishment and substitute logical consequences.

• The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project – If you are not aware of this foundation, check out their resources, particularly if you have a child with a physical disability and learning challenges. Their program is not limited to high school students only. If they can’t help you, one of their friendly volunteers might be able to steer you in a better direction.

• Just go to the YMCA – Y’s in larger cities offer teen programs for kids with special needs and learning disabilities. They have trained staff and a regular program designed to engage the whole group. If you need after school care or if your teen is just craving time with their peers, look into your local Y.

• The Thinking Mother, a blog by a mom with an ADHD and 2 children with special needs, offers a lot of detail into handling homeschooling, dealing with public schools, diet changes, adding and subtracting medication and more. She’s honest, very detailed and answers questions from the comment section if you have them. Even if your child does not have ADHD, the blog is worth visiting for the general information on organizing and handling life with an extremely challenging child.

• If homeschooling is in your future, check this link to 50 Homeschooling Blogs for all age groups. There are some terrific, well-established blogs in the high school and in the special needs section. If you are not a homeschooler, check these blogs anyway for tips on organizing your house in a way that works for your child, meals and just general commiseration when you’re not having a great day. Special Education Homeschool Resources are very useful for parents who’s children are still in school. Modified slightly, these resources can easily be used for homework and self study.

• Have you been working “life skills” into your teen’s life thus far? Let’s be honest, it’s often just easier to do it yourself than to break a chore down for your teen. Now that high school is here, it’s time to take the long road and start teaching those skills. It’s well worth the effort. This article will get you started on teaching the six basic life skills: Transportation, Housekeeping, Meals, Self-Care, Money and Planning Leisure/Work Time.

• It’s never to early to start thinking about your child’s transition from school to their adult life. Paula is a special education teacher with years of experience helping kids transition from one phase of their lives to the next. Her site has links to special education resources as well as practical advice.

• Finally, where would any teenager be without apps? One Place for Special Needs has a HUGE comprehensive list of apps for a wide range of learning challenges with reviews. There are applications for kids who need help with social interaction, kids who are verbally challenged, and kids who struggle with day-to-day schoolwork. This is definitely a site to bookmark – you’ll come back to it again and again.

• Special Education Tutoring can be an amazing asset during the highschool years. If you feel your teenager slipping, or see their grades declining, this maybe a viable option to ensure their success (and graduation)!

The high school years are challenging for every parent. They can be doubly challenging when you have a child with special needs. Use these resources and others that you find as you read to help you navigate the next four years. If you feel like you’re “behind,” don’t worry – start a check list (or two or three) and work methodically through them. You’re your child’s best advocate – remember that!