Meet Sean. There are so many things I can share about him— but most importantly, he is my friend.
His mom Steph told me one of the best things I’ve ever heard in my life— that since joining our music time, he is a happier child.
Nothing beats hearing that.
Yes, we’ve seen him grow each week, and the collaborative team of educators and therapists around him has nurtured him to take wonderful milestones.
But most importantly, I believe he is thriving because he is surrounded by people who make him feel loved and supported.
True, when the other children first met him, they wondered why he was breathing and communicating differently. However, the adults modelled how to respond— and before long, everyone was having fun together.
When a child feels you have confidence in him— that you hold him to the standard of his best— he will live up to it. That is what makes children amazing.
-o-o-o-
Steph came by to our centre last weekend, and brought us a bouquet of beautiful flowers. We chatted about how she feels as a parent— that she didn’t realise her community would support her all the way. It breaks my heart to think of how many parents feel isolated, and intimidated to advocate for their children’s RIGHTFUL place in an inclusive society.
You’d think we’d be past the stigma by now, but still many people are afraid to confront the reality that some children learn differently. What makes them different also comes with special abilities, untapped if unrecognised.
I am not a Special Education Needs (SEN) facilitator, and professionalism dictates that I have to tread very carefully my conversations with parents who aren’t open (with us) about things we need to know to serve their children better.
This puts educators like me in a tough situation. If families are open with us, we would be able to help educate other families on how to respond to children who are different from them.
Thankfully, we have families like Steph’s who proudly celebrate their children, share their experiences, and collaborate to make systems and structures better for families.
Steph told me that she would fully support any activity that promotes the education of families and well-being of children in SEN. We will hold her up to that when the time comes 🙂
#CHARGEsyndrome
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