I am currently working for a family whose children have special needs. One child has relatively minor special needs, and the needs are very easy to work with. The other child has more significant special needs related to sensory issues and a developmental delay that manifests in severe behavioral challenges at times.

I have been here for a little over 4 years (since the kids were 2). Some needs were known when I began, but the most challenging one was discovered along the way. None of us had any idea what we were in for. Some days are really, really, really tough...as in just trying to get through the next minute. Other days go really smoothly...and these are the days that make the tough days worth it.

My employers and I are great partners in this. I could not have worked for them as long as I have considering what I go through some days without their support, understanding, and flexibility. They know what it's like...they go through it early mornings, evenings and weekends. The key to working with a child with special needs is having a great partnership with the parent(s). Everyone needs to be able to express thoughts and concerns. All information needs to be shared, and the parents need to be ok with the nanny communicating with the therapist(s)...and then relaying info back to the parents. Sometimes the child's parents are the only other people who understand the tiniest of victories so it's nice to be able to share those moments.

This has been my most challenging job over the past 13 years, but it's also been my most rewarding. I'm glad none of knew the extent of what we'd deal with when I interviewed because I'm not sure I would have accepted the job. However I have NEVER regretted accepting or sticking with this job. I have learned so much...not only about various special needs and therapy techniques but also about myself. The job has also led me to consider continuing working with special needs children in a slightly different capacity.

I am compensated fairly, although I will say that if I were to do it all over again and know up front what I'd be walking into I would have a higher salary next time. I would absolutely do this again. The rewards far outweigh the challenges. I do think I would need a one-month break though before doing this again if the needs were as significant as what I currently work with.

I have a degree and special special needs teaching experience. I am currently working with infants, but have worked for special needs parents before, mostly speech issues, ADD/ADHD, and Autism spectrum. The last job I had of this nature was for the care and tutoring of three adopted siblings, all very close in age. This job lasted for about 6 months, until it became very clear that the parents had no real interest in modifying bad behavior (lots of kicking, screaming, and the occasional biting) and I just got fed up.
All of the children did incredibly well that term in school however, and I sometimes wish I had stayed....I was not compensated fairly whatsoever ($15/hour for 3 special needs children with violent tendencies) but that wasn't why I took the job and I understood that they had a whole team of people they had to pay. I genuinely love the difference that I can make in families, and the lives of these kids. There's something very special about helping a child exceed his own expectations of himself.

What's it like? How long did you do it for? How old was the child? What kinds of special needs were there? Did they compensate you fairly? Would you do it again?