Every Child Is Special

Let’s face it every parent considers their children to be special, I don’t care how mischievous they may be; when they act up you may hear them make excuses for them, but the reality is that some children have special needs and require more care than others.

When we wonder what causes special needs children it usually has a lot to do with genes, injuries at birth, early brain infections, dietary deficiency, as well as drug, alcohol or some type of chemical exposure.

Women who are pregnant shouldn’t risk their child’s health by engaging in behavior that can damage the developing fetus. And if you want to have a healthy child, you fair better in having a mate that doesn’t have a background of schizophrenia or other genetic problem; now there’s genetic testing that a couple can have, to find out if they carry such gene. That’s not always easy and love sometimes takes over.

Sometimes women who get pregnant later in life have children with Down syndrome. Even though all of us want our children to be healthy and happy, these children bring their own gift to the family. I usually admire them when I see one, no matter how old they get, they have an innocence they don’t lose like you may see with other children.

How You Can Help

Inform yourself as a Parent  – Gather as much information about your child’s disability, services that are available, and things you can do to help your child to the fullest extent possible; don’t forget to be maintain a positive outlook. It may be hard at first but the more you put it in practice, the easier it will be.   

 

Step Up To The Plate - As a friend or someone who cares about the family, spend some time with their child. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about their situation and to the child, but at their level not as if you were talking to a baby.

Be Empathetic - Be aware there are challenges the family faces when dealing with a special needs child. Invite them over along with their child. If they have other children do things with them and don’t exclude them. Parents usually give so much time to one child they wind up feeling guilty if they’re neglecting others.  

Parents sometimes worry their child is suffering; though it may seem like that, they’re not. A special needs child is happy around others and enjoys their company; they also enjoy music and sports; with the Special Olympics you see them run and have a smile on their face along with their friends.

As long as they’re doing something that makes them happy, that’s what matters, thus parents are proud of their child’s accomplishments, because every task that takes place was like climbing a mountain.

Independence

A special needs child will grow up to be an adult. Parents do their part to help them not be so dependent on them. However, something to remember is to maintain a balance between how much independence you give them and assistance, you don’t want to get frustrated or have them give up. When you do this, the child who will become an adult who will realize that he/she can do things on their own even if it takes longer than it would for others.

All children are special and those with special needs are no less.