I am single young parent still in my sophomore year of high school. On January 25th I gave birth to a premature son. Upon speaking with the doctors because of his premature birth several of his organs did not fully develop to include his lungs. He gained enough weight to come home after a one month stay in the hospital. While having my exit interview with the Doctors they informed me that because his lungs did not fully develop he would have to have a portable oxygen tank with him at all times until his lungs are able to mature a little more. Brain functioning was delayed.
Needless to say, I was devastated. I am employed at McDonald’s making minimum wage and living with my mother. I do not have the finances needed to properly take care of a special needs child, but this is my child and my choice is to raise him myself. After bringing my child home I noticed that he was not using his limbs properly they were stiff and limber. After returning to the Doctors office with these concerns it was discovered after many medical tests that he also had cerebral palsy which affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills.
1. Have I given a complete picture of my family, or are there details missing that I should include in order to complete the assignment successfully? If so, what are your suggestions?
2. Is this situation realistic?
3. Are there any specific websites I should be reviewing with regard to learning about quality services and programs for my child and family in this hypothetical family situation?
4. Does anyone have any thoughts, based on my specific family situation that will affect the early childhood system I am creating?
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteThis is a realistic situation. From your post , the baby may end up having Cerebral palsy . My suggestion for you is to find an early childhood programs for babies with disabilities in your State.Your baby will benefit greatly from such programs .
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely a realistic situation and one that a teen could easily find themselves in. I am not sure about any websites that I could refer you to and count myself blessed that I have not needed to find those resources in my own life. My son was actually born prematurely and his lungs were underdeveloped. For the first weeks of his life he was in the NICU an hour away from me while I was in the hospital recovering from a cesarean section. I barely had enough money to visit him once I got out of the hospital and had I not been lucky enough to get him on medicaid, I have no idea how I would have paid for that hospital bill. Thank you for bringing a very realistic scenario to our attention.
Carmen, I believe that you have given a complete picture and that it is very realistic. If you were in Maryland I would lead you to the Infants and Toddlers program we have that would provide you with services needed.
ReplyDelete