you have two choices
The first is you decide not to take the family on and never know
The second have mum along sit down and ask her to be completely honest about what his condition means for you, for him. Tell her you are willing to have a go and that you will have an extended settling in period to your contract with the family.
Each of us would deal differently with a situation and you will not know unless you try.
i do talk from experience ( apologies if I use the wrong terms) I have always wanted to work with children with special needs from when I qualified in 1989. I never had the chance until a couple of years ago. A aged 4 came to look around he had severe special needs, was unable to walk,banged his head on the floor (had to wear a special hat) plus lots more. Wasn't sure if I could cope but after a couple of settling in sessions was more confident. Event hough mum signed contracts A didn't come due to funding for my fees not being available.
Go 6 months later had another enquiry. L aged 6 after a couple of settling in sessions wasn't sure I could cope but mum and I agreed to give it a go. Sadly it didn't workout and after 4 hours of watching L hitting her head against my shed and physically moving it by doing this and throwing toys across the room with such force (had baby in setting and was worried about safety issues) i had to ring mum and tell her I couldn't do it any more I was in tears as I felt I ha let L and mum down.
It had nothing to do with child but with the fact that it was upsetting for me so much so hubby was worried about leaving me to go to work as I was so upset that I couldn't help this little girl. In hindsight I might have handled it different but I couldn't cope but at least I gave it a try and if I hadn't I would never have known.
Even if someone could give you their opinion if they had dealt with a child with this condition your experience may be completely different. Good luck with making the right decision for you and your setting
love Kate
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