I Found some great tips on communicating with professionals from a sister ACL's site. Thought they were great, so wanted to share. One 'tip' they did not include, which I always suggest, is bring a friend, an advocate, someone who can listen with you. Then you can both talk about what you heard after the meeting or appointment.
From the time your child is born until adulthood, you may be working with a number of professionals. It is important to understand and to be understood by professionals.
Here are some tips for communicating with professionals to help ensure that you are receiving the best supports for your loved one:
• If you are looking for a professional with whom you can work well ask other parents of children with a disability.
• If you do not understand the words that a professional uses, be prepared to ask questions. For example, say, “What do you mean by that?” or “I don’t fully understand, can you please explain that again?”
• If necessary, write down what professionals are saying. This can be particularly helpful in medical situations when a medication or therapy is to be given.
• Learn as much as you can about your child’s disability. This will help you to better understand what professionals are saying and to be better informed in discussions with professionals.
• Prepare for visits to professionals by writing down a list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss during the visit.
• Keep a notebook in which you write down information concerning you child’s particular needs or your concerns.
• If you do not agree with professional recommendations say so. Be as specific as you can about why you do not agree.
• If you are looking for a professional with whom you can work well ask other parents of children with a disability.
• If you do not understand the words that a professional uses, be prepared to ask questions. For example, say, “What do you mean by that?” or “I don’t fully understand, can you please explain that again?”
• If necessary, write down what professionals are saying. This can be particularly helpful in medical situations when a medication or therapy is to be given.
• Learn as much as you can about your child’s disability. This will help you to better understand what professionals are saying and to be better informed in discussions with professionals.
• Prepare for visits to professionals by writing down a list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss during the visit.
• Keep a notebook in which you write down information concerning you child’s particular needs or your concerns.
• If you do not agree with professional recommendations say so. Be as specific as you can about why you do not agree.
If you want to talk more about any of these points, or would like some more support, contact me at: familysupport@peiacl.org
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