Children with Special Needs, Need Inclusion Too

Upon a visit to our paediatrician, he encouraged me by highlighting, that I did a good job with Ivan. He was meeting Ivan for the first time and could not tell that he had autism, until after the first ten minutes. Ten minutes, is good enough for one to establish a good, acceptable first impression. First impressions, are precious and fragile. It tells someone, whether or not they want to socialize with you.

Often children with autism, seem to misbehave, when in actual fact they are trying hard, to respond to their surroundings, whilst dealing with their impairment of social skills. This will definitely affect the child's physiology and mannerisms. Ivan has his quirks too, however, the trick is to gradually replace the obvious behaviours of hand flapping, to maybe a simple hair twirling or a humming a tune. People find it more comforting when they are exposed with as little physical movements, and find some quirks acceptable. So if you can to replace your child's major coping mechanisms with more society acceptable ones, you will find that it will take your child a long way.

Over the past couple of years, you can find more ramps being built in Singapore. Lots more lifts and traffic lights, catering to the visually impaired. All these show that the government is stepping up to help the community of wheelchair bound and people who are visually impaired. All these adjustment in the environment are made to help them function better, by minimizing their inability to move around.

Thinking in line with this, shouldn't one make similar efforts to enhance the environment of a child with special needs? Unlike the individuals on the wheelchairs or the visually impaired, adjusting the surrounding of a child with autism, isn't so clear and precise. Since autism is unique to each and every individual, the changes to inclusion would be unique too. I wonder if there are things that can help them mingle better with society. It's only respect that they wish, and as humans we all deserve that.

I hope that the next time you come across, someone who is different, you would be patient and respect them as individuals too, regardless of whatever condition they may be having. That's why we are called the human race, we have compassion, empathy and tolerance for others. If we can care so much for animals and our planet, should we not care for our fellow mankind too. Please ponder?