Test of Special Needs Children

Test of Special Needs Children 

By Grandma Jeddah

There is no doubt--raising a child with special needs can be more challenging, stressful and exhausting than raising a child with normal range functioning.  As a Muslim, however, we know that the greater the test the greater the reward.  Raising a child with special needs gives you an opportunity to get so many blessings and rewards.  This is because you have to reach deep, down into your reserve of patience and tolerance to manage your child’s quirky mannerisms, outlandish behavior, and excessive dependence upon you.   Not to mention, you sometimes have to cope with uninformed, disapproving, and intolerant friends, relatives and strangers. So remember the following when you feel like you’re losing control of your household—and your sanity:

"And those who are patient, we will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do." (Quran 16:96).

"If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials." (Bukhari). 

Grandma Jeddah is the mother of 11 children and 13 grandchildren. She has taught hundreds of students for over 30 years at an Islamic school in Los Angeles, California.This is an excerpt from her book, Discipline without Disrespecting: Discover the Hidden Secrets of How to Effectively Discipline Your Muslim Child--And Keep Your Peace of Mind while at It.  Subscribe to her free newsletter at --http://www.grandmajeddah.com