Are you NORMAL?

Many atimes, I have heard this "He is not normal." Okay, now be really honest... what is normal?
Two eyes, a nose and a mouth?
Is being skinny normal?
Is having all your limbs normal?
What is NORMAL?
Who defines the norm?

My child spoke in sentences when he was five, so what is the norm? Years ago, he would have been termed a late bloomer, but today there is an abundant variety of labels to choose from. As we head into the new millennium, everything has new guidelines.

When I went to primary one, we were taught the words 'boy' and 'girl'. Today, preschoolers can write five sentence compositions, even before entering primary one. I repeat again, what is the norm?


I guess, the hardest part of it all, is that some kids barely have a shot at life. They are labeled even before life begins. Who is to say that you cannot change? Even IQ tests, that are done, are not one hundred percent accurate. Furthermore, they are only valid for six months. Everything changes as we grow, maturity increased, causing improvement in many areas.

Schools are quick to trust the IQ test results (that is only valid for six months) to transfer a child out of mainstream. Who is to say that with a better support system, the child will not excel? How will you ever know? Your child has been deprived the right to try to live his/her life.

I was told, that a child who is diagnosed with autism, is not allowed to drive. But a heart patient is!?!
A heart patient could get an attack any moment, and lose the control of the wheel. (God forbid). The individual with autism, would be much more careful, as he/she would follow the rules and expectations earnestly. Or what about a "normal" person who is drunk? Is he/she then, no longer normal?

Ponder about the word "NORMAL". What does it mean to you?