Do you have room for an au pair? We have several friends who are parents of special needs children. They have had good luck finding au pairs from developing countries that have degrees and work experience in speech, OT, nursing, and other special needs related areas.

We hired my DD's aide from school. We pay her well and give her generous bonuses and a rich benefits package. She goes above and beyond.

How old is your child and what is his childcare history so far?

Your best bet is to hire someone older 26+ with a background in speech pathology, special education or early intervention. There are nannies who would love to work with a child who has special needs but the price tag is significantly more. You could hire a college student majoring in one of those fields for cheaper but they could be flakey depending on the schedule you need. Their schooling will eventually become more important than the position you offer especially once they need to complete a junior/senior practicum.

I hate to say this but money/benefits is usually the deciding factor in what will keep a special needs nanny. You have to pay competitively for that kind of service.

Our son has severe Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), thus, have been extremely unsuccessful with long-term (heck even short term nannies!) nannies. How did you find childcare for your DC? PLease share your stories, solutions; we're at our wits end.

Thanks!!!