Grandparent looking to learn

by Jeanne
(Concord)

I am an educator with a lot of special ed experience but had not come across SPD until my grandson was recently identified. Our own children were adopted and our oldest was hospitalized with bipolar issues, but somehow this was harder. Our little guy has started trying to control his environment/control his emotions (I guess) but not perhaps in the best way--he is now telling us that he is afraid to go home because daddy hits him. We only had a little info about SPD and, because of the fear in his voice, asked his folks what was going on. Did not go well as you can imagine.

As I continue to read and study about the issues, I now begin to see other ways I could have spoken to the little guy as well as my daughter. Concerned about irreparable harm to relationship with my daughter. Just need to hope for the best. This is tough on a relationship and we wanted to give them some respite time away to be together as a couple (and some time for us to enjoy our little guy). Any advice?