Cell Phone Use and Special Needs

Posted by Lynn Moore Feb 3, 2008

I was recently walking through a discount store when I saw a child who was maybe ten years old on a cell phone. Cell phones are definitely a gadget of this generation, and cell phones are here to stay.

What should parents of kids with special needs consider when looking at cell phones? First of all, is having a cell phone important at a younger age due to safety issues? Granted, every child is different, and certainly this is even more the case for the child with special needs. It seems, though, in many cases that some kind of cell phone at a young age is wise. Several companies offer phones with limited capabilities (large buttons, only will call a few preprogrammed numbers, etc.).

Another consideration with cell phones is the apparent socialization advantage. Many parents of kids with special needs are looking for ways to increase socialization opportunities. Too often, kids who are friends in a school program live far away from each other, making simple after-school fun difficult.

What have your experiences been with cell phones and the unique needs of your child? Let’s discuss both the kinds of options available and ways that they shown benefit for your family.