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Special needs kids: How can we help?
Monday was a day for counting blessings.
Mom-in-law, who’s staying with us while she recovers from an injury, had her first physical therapy session at a local treatment center. As my 2-year-old and I waited for Grandma in the waiting room, a steady stream of youngsters in need of special care came and went. In that hour, my eyes were opened to how rough some families have it.
Pity isn’t exactly what I felt: Most of the parents and children seemed to be fine without it. Instead, admiration filled my heart when I thought about how much MORE of life’s junk is piled on families dealing with a child’s disability. Sure, I’m exhausted, flat broke and stressed — which describes 80 percent of the parents I know — but how can I complain?
The parents in the waiting room seemed stoic and capable; the kids were, for the most part, confident and happy.
I almost felt guilty sitting there with my “typically developing” child. I felt the need to reach out and help, but I knew I’d likely never see these people again.
I guess the best I can do is try to teach my children to be accepting and inclusive toward kids who might not be able to run as fast or speak as clearly as they do.
“There but for the grace of God go I.”
Comments
By LucyB
March 21, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this
This is by no means an endorsement of the product Allie is touting, but I thought I’d let her give her spiel. By the way, I checked out the list of ingredients in the supplement, and it contains the tropical fruit mangosteen. I do endorse THAT as a healthy snack for kids. My 2-year-old loves the freeze-dried variety sold at Trader Joe’s. And I whole-heartedly endorse Trader Joe’s, as well. Good luck, Allie!By Allie
March 20, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
I’d like to take a few minutes and share my testimony. My name is Allie and I live in Centerville. I am a 37 year old wife and mother of three, one of whom has Down syndrome. We all started on a liquid vitamin called Vemma at my mother-in-law’s suggestion. The most amazing thing happened with my 10 y/o daughter, Caitlin. She had recently become more lethargic and argumentative over the past 2 years. But, after about a week on Vemma, I noticed that she was actually dancing to her CDs, dancing to her videos and downright happy to beat me running to the mailbox! I definitely noticed her energy level had soared. Not only did her fitness level change, but her attitude had changed as well! She was more cooperative at home. She was making “good choices” at school. And, she was happier, listened better and followed directions more often! She absolutely benefited from Vemma- no doubt about it! I would encourage anyone who has a special needs child to incorporate Vemma into their daily regimen. … Vemma aids in whole body wellness and has been a Godsend to our family! I am determined to spread the word about it. I want it to be a Godsend to yours as well! Please take a few minutes to visit my site to find out more: http://www.myvemma.com/allie03 Thanks and God Bless!By Mary
March 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
At the risk of sounding petty (and maybe old) in this discussion, brainy kids are also “special” needs children - at least in the education system. And yes, other kids make fun of them, too. Some children are “twice exceptional” - gifted and “disabled”. Special educational services are not even legally required in Ohio’s educational system for an academically gifted child. Even though other “special needs” children have some federal laws on their side for some educational services, I know that does not solve all of a family’s problems and issues, either. My only reason for posting this, is to point out many parents have to deal with “special needs” for their children for reasons that are less visible and even less likely to receive sympathetic support from institutions and systems. Many times I do not think the public understands that these needs are also being neglected and should be improved upon. There is also some synergy involved. We need to support brainy people and their education system to better understand the causes and solutions for supporting, and assisting other special needs/disabled people as well as “typically developed” people.By Jenny
March 7, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
God Bless You! I have a special needs son. If more people thought like you the world would be a better place. Please teach your children to be compassionate and include our children. It rips my heart out when I think of someone being mean and making fun of my son. He’s the sweetest thing and wouldn’t hurt a fly.