Part 10: WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS

 

You will witness genuine happiness.

For the most part these kids don't understand money or popularity. They couldn’t care less about what other people think and that is truly admirable. While you sat in front of your mirror. stressing over your “summer body”, I saw a child’s face light up because he was having animal crackers for a snack. They get excited over the little things in life -- something society has forgotten to do.

You will experience pure friendship.

Whether you admit it or not, our friendships are built upon getting yourself ahead. Somehow, someway your friends benefit your life but for the friendships between special needs kids the benefit is sweet and pure. They don’t expect anything from their “buddy” except to play with them and have fun. The world needs more pure friendships like theirs.

You will work with some of the most kindhearted people.

It does take a special kind of person to work with children with disabilities. These people will be some of the nicest, patient, and compassionate people you will ever meet.

You're changing a child's life.

The kids will look up to you. They will want to be just like you and there is no better feeling than being someone’s role model.

You will learn to be grateful for all you have.

Working with Special Needs kids isn't exactly glamorous. You may witness a child having a seizure or be fed through a feeding tube. Some can't walk or talk, and at THAT moment you will realize just how very lucky you are to be healthy enough to work with them.

Autism is a developmental disorder that interferes with and affects the child's ability to interact and communicate. 

Some repetitive behaviors in autism include:

• Opening and closing drawers
• Talking about the same thing over and over
• Repeating sentences
• Rocking their body back and forth
• Lining toys up in a row

One piece of advice given to parents and caregivers of autistic children is to NOT compare their child to other children. Just love them unconditionally. Always stay positive and patient with the child and teach the child to express anger without being aggressive. Ignore irritating attention-seeking behavior and be persistent.