Being a Special Needs parent can be a little lonely and a little overwhelming at times, so I ask for you to help me and all of those that need a voice .I ask that as parents, teachers or friends, you help in the ways you can.
Talk to your kids, friends, students that do not have Special Needs and let them know the following points, by doing so, you will do what we are trying for every day – more acceptance.
You know what else will happen by doing this? YOU (the adults) will also learn and realize some of the simple things that we live every day and get us one step closer to our kids feeling accepted. Promise 🙂 It is not just our children who yearn for acceptance, but us, the parents, the ones who have more moments of unknown than known.
After reading, share a thought, tip or anything you’d like. PLEASE!
All of our brains work differently, because kids with Special Needs may not learn it the same way does not mean they can’t do it.
You may not know by looking at a child that they have a Special Need. There is not “one look”.
Many kids with Autism are concrete thinkers. Saying to a child with Autism, “if you eat all those french fries you will turn into a potato” is confusing. They may think they will and will not understand why or how.
Language is tough for many kids with Special Needs, some do not speak at all, and many use their hands or even iPads to help them communicate.
Special Needs kids can be really good at some things! Our son loves video games, another friend’s son loves to play tag. There can be a common bond, try to find it and see that YOU can be a friend.
Many kids with Special Needs may not look at you when you talk but they hear you. Be patient, our kids want to be your friend.
It is easy to walk away and think, “that kid is weird.” Be the one that wants to make a difference. We ALL do weird things. Look around at your “typical” friends – they have quirky things too.
If everyone is not laughing, it may not be funny, don’t laugh AT, laugh with!
As parents we are scared and those of us with typical kids , well , we struggle with guilt in a lot of what we do.
With acceptance comes some peace, as special needs parents we truly are on a journey with no real answers.