Creating a parenting time schedule for children with special needs requires careful consideration of their unique challenges and requirements. When it comes to children with physical, developmental and/or emotional disabilities, a well-structured parenting plan must account for medical needs, therapy schedules, educational support and emotional support needs.
Broadly speaking – and only when possible and appropriate – parents who work together to create a flexible yet consistent parenting time schedule can help to better facilitate their child’s well-being and minimize stress during transitions between households.
Stability, routine and accommodations
Children with special needs are often in particular need of a consistent approach to scheduling. Sudden changes in routine can be difficult for children with autism, ADHD or sensory processing disorders, for example. Others may not be able to get the medical care they need for a chronic illness without a consistent scheduling approach.
As such, a parenting time schedule should be largely structured around a child’s daily activities, including therapy sessions, school hours and medical appointments. If one parent has traditionally handled certain aspects of the child’s care, such as attending doctor visits or therapy appointments, the schedule should likely allow for continuity in these responsibilities.
A parenting plan should also consider a child’s educational needs, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or special accommodations at school. Parents may benefit from collaborating to better ensure that school schedules, homework routines and extracurricular activities remain as consistent as possible. If a child requires additional academic support, such as tutoring or speech therapy, these services should be factored into the parenting schedule as well.
With all of this being said, while consistency is important, parenting time schedules for children with special needs must generally also allow for flexibility. Medical emergencies, therapy schedule changes and unexpected challenges may require adjustments. Parents and their legal representatives can work together to accommodate changes while keeping the child’s best interests at the center of decision-making regarding parenting time scheduling concerns.