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What is Shared Decision Making?

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Summary

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Shared decision making is when parents, teachers, and experts collaborate to make choices for kids with special needs. It’s like a team deciding what’s best for the child.

Frequently Asked Question

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Why is shared decision making important for children with special needs?

Shared decision making fosters a supportive environment where everyone’s insights are valued, resulting in more informed and child-centered decisions that can lead to better outcomes for these children.

What are the key steps in implementing shared decision making?

The process involves open discussions, prioritizing the child’s needs, sharing information, respectful dialogue, making joint decisions, and allowing flexibility to adapt as the child’s needs evolve.

Is shared decision making a one-time event or an ongoing process?

Shared decision making is an ongoing, evolving process, ensuring that decisions remain relevant and in the best interests of the child as they grow and their needs change.

Can shared decision making be used in all aspects of a child's life with special needs?

Yes, shared decision making can be applied to educational choices, therapeutic approaches, daily routines, and even medical decisions to ensure a holistic and child-centric approach.

Scientific Definition

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Shared decision making, in the realm of kids with special needs, is a collaborative process where caregivers, educators, and professionals come together to exchange ideas, share information, and jointly determine the most suitable course of action for a child. It involves open communication, respect for each person’s insights, and a focus on the child’s unique needs and preferences. This approach ensures that decisions are well-informed and aligned with the child’s best interests, promoting a positive and effective environment for their growth and development.

Real World Example of Shared Decision Making

Susie is a bright and curious child with autism. Shared decision making plays a vital role in her journey:

  • Educational Choices: Susie’s parents and teachers, together, consider the best learning environment for her, which includes speech therapy and inclusive classroom opportunities.
  • Therapeutic Approaches: They explore various therapies collaboratively, deciding that occupational therapy and social skills groups would greatly benefit Susie.
  • Daily Routine: Her parents use Goally, a helpful tool, to create visual schedules that make activities like brushing teeth and bedtime routines more structured.
  • Speech Augmentation: With Goally’s AAC app, Susie finds a voice that suits her, enhancing her communication skills.
  • Emotional Regulation: Goally’s emotional regulation app aids Susie in managing her emotions and reducing frustration.

Through shared decision making and the assistance of Goally, Susie’s support team empowers her to thrive, tailoring her development and well-being to her unique needs.

How Does Shared Decision Making Work?

Shared decision making is a practical approach to empowering parents and caregivers of kids with special needs. It encourages active participation in the decision-making process. Here are some examples and key points:

  • Open Discussion: Parents, teachers, and specialists share their insights and ideas.
  • Child-Centered: Decisions prioritize the child’s unique needs, abilities, and preferences.
  • Informed Choices: Information about available options and their potential outcomes is shared transparently.
  • Respectful Dialogue: Respectful communication ensures that everyone’s opinions are valued.
  • Joint Decision: A consensus-based approach is taken, where decisions are made together.
  • Flexibility: The process allows for adjustments as the child’s needs evolve.

Shared decision making fosters collaboration, communication, and, ultimately, better outcomes for children with special needs. Goally’s tablet and apps support kids with special needs, helping them build life, language, and social skills while emphasizing emotional regulation and executive functioning.