Some speech and language impairments involves problems with articulation, fluency and slowdowns in speech and/or language. Where hearing is concerned, the child may experience partial or even total deafness.
Most would think that the ideal solution to helping these children would be to seek medical help from professionals. It is true that speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, guidance counsellors, physicians, teachers in schools and social workers can make an impact in the child’s condition.
However, I feel that the parents’ role would be the most significant. It would be more practical to embrace the fact that their child is unwell and start seeking professional help as soon as possible. Instead of blaming themselves or being in denial of their child’s condition, or in worst scenarios, vent it on the child, it would be good if parents are rational enough to see the situation from another perspective. Of course, it is easier said than done. It is normal for parents to feel upset and perhaps be bitter, towards the sick child initially. After all, which parent on Earth does not want their flesh and blood to grow up healthy?
Nonetheless, parents do play a vital role in the child’s life, especially when the child’s health is concerned. Outsiders can do everything that needs to be done, but if the parents remain fixated on their own opinions, then it would be the children who suffer the most. This is not only applicable for children with special needs or disabilities, but also healthy children too.
References:
http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&context=cmc_theses
http://www.comeunity.com/disability/speech/communication.html
You are absolutely right in your statement that a lot of parents choose to deny that their child has an even slightest disability. Unless it is an obvious physical restriction where it is hard for the parents to ignore, excuses for the child’s behaviour is easier than acknowledgment. Most people are not willing to accept ownership of their own life; it is usually much easier to blame someone else, perhaps their parents, teachers, government or the medical world. We have been so conditioned to acquire perfection in everything we do; that, if our offspring is not what the society views as perfect, we feel as a failure. Let’s face it no one likes that feeling!
ReplyDeleteAcceptance of your situation means looking at it from a very realistic perspective, seeing the good and the bad, staying positive and making the best choice you can. Owning your life, even the problems, is giving yourself power to change what you do not like. How can you change aspects of your life if you do not accept ownership? If your problems are someone else’s fault, then they should fix it and we all know very well, that is not likely to happen.
When I was pregnant with my own child I worked part time in a kindergarten. One of the little girls in my class had a speech disability, which impacted her behaviour. She was anti social, fearful, reactive and the slightest accident (eg spilled yogurt) would be too much for her to handle. She was the youngest of three children in a very loving, nurturing and caring family. I became close with the mother and she shared how difficult it was to accept her daughter’s disability. Fortunately, in this case, the parents were quick to act and she was given the best possible care. There was a whole team of people working together including speech therapist and child psychologist. I left for maternity leave and did not return to the same job but the family came to visit me a year later. The little girl was transformed; she is now able to attend regular school, has friends and is thriving. Accept ownership of your life; and, you can change anything!