We have a new Featured Professional & Parent to introduce you to! Christine works with kids with special needs, and is also a special needs parent, and graciously answered a few questions.

 

Fun and Function: Tell us about you, your kids, and your profession.

Christine Smith: I'm Christine Smith. I'm a Paraeducator, Rally Advisor, and Advocate. I'm mom to Keith.

 

FF: What is the nature of Keith's special needs?

CS: Specific Learning Disabilities/SLD: Reading, Writing, Speech, and Behavioral. Diagnosed: Autism/PDD-NOS, ADHD, and Behavioral.

 

FF: What company do you work with?

CS: The Evergreen School District at the middle school level.

 

FF: What is the nature of special needs you work with the most?

CS: I work with the most common disabilities (SLD/HI) within the mainstream/instructional classroom.

 

FF: Where can we find your blog?

CS: I blog at 70's Child.

 

FF: What would you say is your biggest challenge in working with children with special needs?

CS: Meeting LS Children's individual needs at their own level of comprehension and learning style.

 

FF: What would you say is your biggest challenge in raising a child with special needs

CS: Adapting/understanding/research.

 

FF: What is your greatest joy in your job?

CS: Seeing each one's progress throughout the year. It's a very satisfying and rewarding job!

 

FF: What would you say is your greatest joy in raising your child?

CS: Learning/Empathy.

 

FF: What has been the greatest help to you in your profession?

CS: Working with a great TEAM of individuals having the same vision!

 

FF: What would you say has been the biggest help you in raising your kids?

CS: Experiences/Advocacy.

 

FF: Give us one tool you would hate to live without?

CS: Manipulatives.

 

FF: If you could give one piece of advice to a parent who's child has just been diagnosed, what would it be?

CS: Don't give up on your child! Advocate for them in all areas of development.

 

Christine, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us and all the readers here at Fun and Function.

If you would like to be a featured parent or professional, just let us know!