Advice On Responding To People With Special Needs

posted on 09/05/2009

It used to be that when you saw a child misbehaving in the store or any where out in public, you thought to yourself, "what is wrong with that child, or why can't that parent control their children"! You will find that as time rolls on, the children you see 'misbehaving' are special needs children, the majority suffering from Autism.

It is 'human nature' to gravitate toward the things in life that we feel comfortable with. It is also in our nature to shy away from those things in life that make us feel uncomfortable. The things we don't quite understand or want to. People cross the street to avoid the homeless. People don't visit loved ones in the hospital because of how they react to hospitals. People avoid that which makes them uneasy and being around people with Special Needs makes people uneasy.

The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta has estimated that 1 out of every 150 babies born will be diagnosed with some type of Asperger's Spectrum Disorder (Autism). Autism is currently more common than childhood cancer. There was once a time when it was rare to know someone who had cancer. Today, we all, without exception know someone who has been touched somehow personally with cancer.

When I speak to others about my son having Autism, I usually hear that they too know someone who has a child with Autism or they themselves have a child with Autism. People with special needs or who require special attention are just people. They have difficulty interacting in society because of how their body functions. They are not contagious and they are not from another planet. Actually, from what I've seen in my life, an alien life form would most likely be treated in some ways better than we treat our fellow man - special needs or not.

Autism effects males in greater numbers than females. We need to realize now that the number of children with Autism is increasing and just like cancer, you will know someone with Autism in your lifetime, if you don't already.

A child with Autism usually looks no different than any other child. It's the behavior or actions that usually give them away. Preoccupation with a certain object, poor social skills, little or no verbal skills among others. There is no reason to be uncomfortable around any child. Easier said than done, I know. It however does not take a special person to be able to be around 'special people'. It just takes any regular people who makes up their mind to treat every human being like a human being. I said it before and I'll say it again. My biggest pet peeve is people who treat animals better than they do other people. Why does it take a day like September 11, 2001 for true human compassion to overflow. It shouldn't.

If you can find it in your heart to see any special needs person as someone who just needs and wants love and respect. Don't stare in the Wal*Mart check out lane. Ask the parent if there is anything you can do to help. Don't talk about the children. Find out what you can do to help your friends and family who are dealing with children with Autism. They need a break sometimes and maybe only a visit from you would be a great change in their daily routine.

September 9, 2009 is National How Much Longer Day For Autism. For more information check out this link. http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/howmuchlonger.php

Some Facts About Autism
Taken from the National Autism Association

1. Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.

2. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

3. Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more.

4. Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country.

5. Autism does not affect life expectancy. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved.

Resources:
http://www.freeautismhelp.net/
http://www.youtube.com/playthiswayeveryday#p/a