Leiram's Special Education Corner Mariel Mangaron

YAM HAS FEELING OF SELF-PITY

2015-03-06T18:36:00.007+08:00

Pagdating ko sa bahay, dinatnan ko ang aming anak na si Yam na nasa harap ng desktop at nagba-browse ng mga paborito niyang video clips. Medyo mainit kaya sabi ko, "Anak, why you didn't turn on the aircon, the room temperature is hot." He didn't respond but he turned on the aircon then back to the front of our computer.

After I have changed my clothes, humiga ako upang magpahinga ng kaunti bago ako gumawa ng mga gawain para sa eskuwelahan. Habang ako ay nakahiga, ginamit ko ang ipad ko and was trying to download some music video for our Special Education Corner Group then until such time na ma search ko sa 'youtube' ang "The Wind Beneath My Wings." I listened for a while at nasabi ko na; "Naalaala ko ang Sped sa New Era University..." Nagulat na lang ako dahil biglang tumayo si Yam, sabay dampot sa mga hinubad kong accessories at ibinato sa akin. That was the very first time na ginawa niya yun kaya talagang nagulat ako. Tumayo ako and asked him, (Eto ang buong pangyayari at naging usapan namin):

Me: What's the matter with you? Why did you do that to me?" (tanong ko sa kanya in a loud voice and I really wasn't able to hold my temper at napaiyak na akong tuluyan dahil nakita ko ang galit sa mukha nya at tila gustong lumaban sa akin. Noong makita niya na tumutulo ang luha ko... Eto ang lalong nagpaiyak sa akin...

Yam: (Humahagulgol ng iyak na nakayakap sa akin, naghalo na ang laway at luha niya sa balikat ko) I'm sorry, Mommy... I didn't mean to hurt you. Nasaktan kasi ako kasi narinig ko yun song na pinapakinggan mo.

Me: Bakit ka naman nasaktan eh music lang yun?!!!

Yam: Because we always sing that song there in Sped at New Era before but now dito na lang ako palagi sa bahay. Nasaktan ako Mommy! Nasaktan ako, Mommy! Nasaktan ako, Mommy!

Me: So, is that the reason why you threw to me those things? Sabay turo ko sa mga accessories na nakasabog sa sahig.)

Yam: I'm sorry, Mommy... I love you Mommy... Huwag kang magagalit sa akin, kawawa ako. Kawawa naman ako.

Me: Hindi ka kawawa, ginagawa mong kawawa ang sarili mo.
Yam: Kawawa ako kasi hindi ako nag- aaral. Dito lang ako,palagi sa bahay. I don't want to stay in the house everyday. I want to go to school!

Me: Di ba, you went to school (ACSAT), but your modular lesson has been finished already? Di ba, I told you that this coming school year, kung wala pa ring Tertiary Curriculum for Sped at New Era, we will enrol you at Saint Joseph's College or PUP?

Yam: Matagal pa yun, I like to go to school very soon! Kung pwede, bukas, Mommy please?!!! ( almost shouted)

Me: Hindi naman ganun kadali yun eh. Patapos na ang second semester, hindi ka na pwedeng mag enrol. Di ba we are planning to let you go back to ACSAT on the second week of this month? You just wait.

Yam: Ayoko dito sa bahay, ayoko na katulong ang kasama ko! Gusto ko classmates ko. I am not mad at you, Mommy! Galit ako kasi nasasaktan ako kasi ganito ako bata. Bakit kasi ako Sped Mommy?

Parang dinudurog ang puso ko... Gusto kong magpalahaw ng iyak dahil mas higit kong nararamdaman ang damdamin ng anak ko. Nauunawaan ko na kung bakit nagkaroon siya ng ganun behavior dahil sa hindi niya mai express ang gusto niya at maaaring sinasarili sa araw-araw ang lungkot at eagerness na makabalik sa school.

At ang pag-iisip niya na siya ay 'special child' kaya marahil naaawa sa kanyang sarili. Siguro hindi lang niya maipaliwanag na kung hindi lamang sana siya sped ay baka masaya siya na kasama ang kanyang mga kaklase sa paaralan...

Ito marahil ang mga naging dahilan nang biglaan niyang pagta tantrums:

1. Nag-iisa siya sa bedroom at kaharap lang ang computer, TV at Xbox sa araw-araw.

2. Pagdating ko, gagawa na agad ako ng mga trabaho para sa school na pinagta trabahuhan ko at hindi na kami masyadong makapag bonding. Ganun din ang asawa ko, pagdating sa gabi.

3. Naaawa sa sarili dahil pakiramdam niya, siya ay nakakulong na lamang sa bahay lalo na kapag nakatatanaw ng mga school service sa balcony ng aming bahay.

4. Lalo pang nag-umigting ang kanyang pagkabagot at awa sa sarili noong marinig niya ang pinapakinggan kong "The Wind Beneath My Wings." Marahil ay nag flashback sa utak niya noong mga panahon na nasa New Era University pa siya.

Sobrang awa ko talaga sa anak ko... Sana ipinasok na lamang namin siya sa ibang school at hindi na kami naghintay pa college curriculum for Sped ng NEU... Inakala kasi namin na mabubuksan o maaapprove iyun noong second semester pero hindi pa rin.

Labing-dalawang taon sa NEU ang anak namin... Sanay na pumapasok sa eskuwelahan araw-araw. Pero dahil nakatapos na siya ng high school bigla nagbago ang mundo na kanyang iniikutan sa loob ng napakahabang panahon para sa kanya.

Sa ngayon ay kalamante na siya pero hindi ko alam kung malalim na ang sugat sa puso ng anak ko. Kasi kung dadamhin ko mukhang napakalalim na nga dahil ramdam ko ang sakit nito para sa kanya dahil ako ang kanyang ina. Karugtong ng buhay ko ang buhay niya.

Naramdaman ko na sa kabila ng kanyang pagta tantrums, kita at dama ko pa rin ang likas na pagiging mabait ni Yam... Yun tunay na pagmamahal niya sa amin na kanyang mga magulang lalo na sa akin dahil marahil dinala komsiya ng siyam na buwan sa aking sinapupunan.

Kung maaari lang ayaw ko nang maulit ito... Hindi ko na hahayaan na magkatoon nang lihim na dalahin sa dibdib ang anak ko. Lahat naman ng makabubuti para sa kanya ay lagi naming iniisip. Siya ang lagi naming prayoridad. Subalit nagkulang pa rin pala kami...

Para kay Yam, "I'm so sorry, anak." Next time, hindi na kita pababayaang magdamdam. We will do our best para maibigay ang lahat para sa iyo kesehodang magdildil tayo ng asin, anak.
Always bear in mind that your Dad and I love you so much.

THOSE DAYS ARE GONE

2014-11-11T16:42:00.002+08:00

There's a pinch of pain in my heart while viewing my child's pictures when he's still studying at New Era University...

Those days are gone...

Yesterday, he told me that he doesn't want to go back to Subic because he would just remember when he went there and spent precious times with his classmates and teachers. I looked at him and I felt exactly what he feels that very moment...

How I wish that the college curriculum for sped would be approved soon by the university officials... My son wishes to go back to NEU to study. He waits so patiently...

Please have a big heart!

LUNGKOT, PAG-AALALA AT PAGTITIWALA

2014-04-05T21:11:00.000+08:00

Sobrang nakaramdam ako ng pagkalungkot ngayon... Mabuti pa hindi ko na lang tinanggal lahat ng laman ng backpack ni Yam upang iligpit na sana dahil hindi na gagamitin ang mga ito... Tila pamamaalam na rin sa kanyang elementary and high school days na naging malaking bahagi ng buhay naming lahat lalo na ng aming anak. Bagama't papasok pa naman siya sa kolehiyo bilang panibagong yugto ng kanyang buhay, iba pa rin ang 'tender years' na nagdaan. Bumabalik sa aking alaala noong grader pa siya.

Nag-resign ako sa trabaho noo at nag full time ako sa kanya para lamang masubaybayan ko siya. Ang asawa ko ay nag-aabsent sa office para lamang mag attend ng mga activities ni Yam sa school. Maraming hirap at pagtitiis ngunit marami rin namang kasiyahan at kagalakan na kaakibat na talagang hindi ko na makakalimutan kailanman. Ayoko nang isipin… Tapos na ang labing-dalawang taong singkad.

Ngayon ay tinitingnan ko ang aking anak sa kanyang pagkakahiga sa kama… Naisip ko lang, ano kayang kapalaran ang naghihintay sa kanya? Panibagong pakikipagbaka sa kolehiyo na harinawang maging matagumpay na matapos niya ito. Ang mas higit ko lang ikinababahala ay ano kaya ang kanyang magiging buhay pagkatapos ng kolehiyo?

Alam kong hindi niya kayang sumabay sa agos ng buhay na mag-isa. Naisip ko, sana naging batang musmos na lamang ang aming anak habang buhay at nang sa gayon ang kanyang mundo ay umiikot na sa mga payak na bagay lamang. Ngunit anuman ang mangyari, hinding-hindi naming siya pababayaang mag-isa. Kung kailangang pati kami ay gumamit ng ‘sagwan’ o ‘boat paddle’ upang makasunod lamang siya sa agos ng buhay sa mundong ito ay aming gagawin.

May Diyos na nakaagapay sa kanya at naniniwala ako na may nakalaang magandang bukas ang Ama para sa aming pinakamamahal na si Yam.

A CONVERSATION BETWEEN MOM & YAM

2014-03-21T17:51:00.005+08:00

Ito ang naging usapan namin ni Yam noong isang gabi pagkatapos ng kanyang 'night prayer'...

MOM: Oh Yam. you are graduating na from high school ah... Which would you like to take up in college, Information Technology (IT) or Photography?

YAM: Eh, I would like to take up IT but I can't...

MOM: Why you can't?

YAM: Because I think, I am not capable enough to work in the office just like other people... Baka they will not accept me... Baka my boss will always get mad at me...

MOM: Awww... don't say that ah. Kasi you are intelligent and I believe in your ability. (Sinikap kong i-motivate siya dahil parang napapansin ko lumulungkot ang boses niya).

YAM: Yes, I'm intelligent but I am 'Sped'... Bakit kasi ako naging 'Sped', gusto kong magpaka normal kaya lang I was born special...

MOM: Oh eh you should be glad kasi 'special' ka, sila eh hindi. In the sight of GOD you are so special and it is not because you are 'Sped' ('Sped' is the term he usually used for 'special child') kasi you are a God fearing person... A very loving and an obedient child... Kaya nga your dad and I are very lucky to have you, anak.

YAM: Okay... Baka I'll take up na lang 'Photography' so that I can always take a picture of God's creations especially the SKY. Because beyond the SKY is HEAVEN. I might capture GOD's FACE up there. Do you think, I can capture GOD's FACE in the SKY?

I paused for a while... Para akong maiiyak! Sa napaka-inosenteng pag-iisip ng anak ko, naiisip pa niya ang ganitong mga bagay...

MOM: Ay, s'yempre ah because God is everywhere. Whenever and wherever you take a shot, you'll see God lalo na He is always with you because He loves you, don't you know that?

YAM: Yes, I know! I will take up 'Photography' na lang kasi GOD WILL BE MY OFFICEMATE.

MOM: Yes, He will be your officemate and boss as well. So nobody will get mad at you.

Dumaloy nang tuluyan ang luha sa aking pisngi. Dahil sa kabila ng 'kalagayan' ng anak ko... Pagtitiwala at pagsandal sa Diyos ang nasa kanyang puso. Lubos akong nagagalak dahil nagbunga ang aming pagtatanim at pagmumulat sa kanya noong siya ay maliit pa lamang na bata tungkol sa pag-ibig ng Diyos at ang magkaroon ng pananampalataya, takot at pagsunod sa Dakilang Lumikha.

Kahit 'special child' si Yam, mas nakahihigit pa siya sa ibang mga bata dahil bukod sa siya ay matalino at mabait, siya rin ay masunurin at mapagmahal sa kanyang mga magulang at kapwa. At higit sa lahat ay may pananampalataya at pag-ibig sa Panginoong Diyos.

We are so proud of you, Yam. We love you so much and we are very sure that God loves you more!

LOVING AND SWEET ANGELA

2014-02-14T22:40:00.007+08:00

EKSENA SA SCHOOL GATE KANINANG UMAGA:

PUPIL: Teacher Mariel! Teacher Mariel! (Sumisigaw habang patakbong sumasalubong sa guro na pumapasok sa gate...)

TEACHER: O, Angela, anak baka madapa ka! (sabay yapos ng bata sa titser bago iaabot ang dalang hugis pusong 'stuff' na regalo nya para rito)...

TEACHER: Ano ito, anak?

PUPIL: I LOVE YOU, TEACHER MARIEL! (Marahil ay hindi niya masabi ang Happy Valentine's Day)...

TEACHER: Aw, I love you too, Angela!

Araw-araw tuwing umAga, ang batang si Angela ay walang ginawa kundi ang salubungin ako sa gate ng paaralan upang yumakap sa akin pagkatapos ay tatakbo nang palayo upang ipagpatuloy ang kanyang paglalaro...

Subali't kaninang umaga ay may nadagdag sa usual na 'scenario' naming dalawa. Yun bang dobleng kasayahan nya kanina upang iabot lamang sa akin ang kanyang munting regalo. At higit sa lahat ay ang sabihin nya ang tatlong katagang nagpapaikot sa buong mundo, ang salitang I LOVE YOU.

Maraming salamat, Angela! Sa kabila ng iyong kapansanan, ipinadama mo sa akin ang iyong pagpapahalaga at pagmamahal sa "Araw ng mga Puso"... TEACHER MARIEL LOVES YOU MORE!

(Si ANGELA po ay isang 'SPECIAL CHILD')...

SI TITSER ANG DAPAT SISIHIN?

2013-08-12T10:41:00.005+08:00

Ang hirap talaga ng kalagayan ng isang guro. Maghapon siyang pagod sa pagtuturo at pagsaway sa mga mag-aaral dahil sa kanilang mga 'negative behavior' subali’t kadalasan ay negatibo pa rin ang nagiging reaksiyon ng ilang mga magulang. Walang reklamo ang guro sa anumang hirap na dinaranas sa araw-araw dahil ito ay kasama sa sinumpaaan niyang tungkulin. Nguni’t ang sisihin ang guro sa mga bagay na wala naman siyang kinalaman, ito ang mas higit na nagpapahirap sa kanyang kalooban. Ang pagod ng katawan ay naipapahinga ngunit ang sakit ng kalooban ay hindi natatawaran.

Isang Biyernes, MSEP subject ng mga bata na mayroong ‘special needs’. Naglalaro sila kasama ng kanilang guro. Natural na nagpapawis sila dahil sa katatakbo at paglalaro ng bola, hula hoop, atbp. Dahil ang isang bata ay mukhang sobrang ‘hyper’ na, siya ay pinatitigil ng kanyang guro sa paglalaro. Ngunit sa halip na sumunod sa sinabi ng guro, ito ay tumakbong palayo. Hinabol ito ng guro at kinukuha ang bola sa kanya subali’t ayaw nitong ibigay. Sapilitang kinuha ng guro sa kanya ang bola at bilang parusa sa kanyang pagiging ‘disobedient’, siya ay pinatayo ng ilang minuto lamang. Ang dapat sana ay ‘face off the wall’ kaso mas ayaw ng bata ang gayon kaya ‘pagtayo’ na lamang ang parang ‘consequence’ (na mas mainam pakinggan kaysa sa salitang punishment) ang ibinigay sa kanya ng kanyang guro dahil sa kanyang pagpapakita ng hindi pagsunod. Matapos ang ilang minuto ay pumasok na sila sa silid-aralan kasama ng kanilang mga ‘fetcher’. Pinapalitan ang mga damit nila bago kumain ng kanilang ‘snack’ dahil nga sa nagpawis sila sa paglalaro sa covered court.

Makalipas ang 30 minuto ay pinauwi na rin sila. Nadaanan pa ng guro ang mag-aaral (na ‘pinatayo’ niya habang nagpi-PE sila) sa covered court na naglalaro kasama ng ‘fetcher’ nito, sabay tanong sa kanila na; “Hindi pa ba kayo uuwi?” “Hindi pa po dahil naglalaro pa kami’, sagot ng ‘fetcher’. At iniwanan na sila ng guro.

Sabado ng umaga, nakatanggap ng text ang guro at ganito ang tanong, “Ilang oras nyo po ba pinatayo si Boy kahapon? May sakit po kasi siya mukhang napagod at natuyuan ng pawis.” Ang napuna ng guro ay ‘ORAS’ ang ginamit na termino ng guardian sa kanyang text message. At sa tema ay tila sinisisi ng guardian ang guro sa pagkakasakit ng bata. Marahil ay mali ang sumbong ng ‘fetcher’ sa kanila.

Lunes ng umaga, napag-alaman ng guro na matagal pa palang nananatili ang bata at kanyang ‘fetcher’ sa paaralan at aliw na aliw sa paglalaro sa covered court. Sana, sinabi ng ‘fetcher’ na naglaro pa sila ng sagad sa hapon kahit tapos na ang PE o klase ng mga bata. Baka iyon ang dahilan ng pagkapagod at pagkatuyo ng pawis ng bata sanhi ng kanyang pagkakasakit. Bakit parang ang guro ang sinisisi ng mga magulang?

Bilang isang ‘sped teacher’, kailangang ang guro ay malambing sa kanyang mga estudyante na mayroong ‘special needs’. Kailangang ipadama sa kanila na sila ay mahal at importante at lalong higit sa lahat ay maramdaman nila na sila ay kasama natin sa mundong ito na ating ginagalawan sa kabila ng kanilang mga kapansanan. Subali’t ang mga batang ito kung minsan ay may mga ‘manipulative behavior’. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, ang guro ay kailangang ‘firm’ at medyo mataas ang boses upang ipakita sa bata ang kanyang ‘superiority’ upang ang bata ay sumunod sa kanya. Ngunit hindi ibig sabihin nito na sinisigawan ang bata. Kadalasan ay ito ang nagiging pananaw ng ilan. Kumbaga ay nami ‘misinterpret’ ang pagdisiplina na ginagawa ng guro sa bata na mayroong 'special needs’.

Hindi biro ang maging ‘sped teacher’. Maraming hirap ang dinaranas nito gayunpaman ay hindi nawawala ang kanyang dedikasyon sa kanyang tungkulin bilang guro. Pagmamahal, awa at mahabang pasensiya ang kailangan nitong dala-dala sa araw-araw upang maging mas magaan ang pag-handle sa mga bata na may iba’t-ibang klaseng disabilities at ‘behavioral problems’.

Bakit ang guro ang kailangang sisihin sa pagkakasakit ng kanilang mga anak? Ang guro na walang inisip kundi ang kapakanan ng kanyang mga estudyante? Ginagawa lamang nito ang marapat at hindi intensiyon na masaktan o magkasakit ang kanyang mga estudyante.

Sa mga magulang o guardian, sana po ay maging malawak ang ating pang-unawa. Huwag po nating isisi sa iba ang mga bagay na wala naman silang kinalaman.

Photos: Courtesy of www.cartoonclipart.com

WILLIAMS SYNDROME: A Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorder

2012-05-21T14:27:00.000+08:00

What is Williams Syndrome? Originally described by Williams and Beuren in 1961, Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neuro-developmental disorder that occurs in about 1 in 8,000 births.

It affects many parts of the body. Children with this disorder have unique facial features including a short nose with a broad tip or a sunken nasal bridge, puffiness around the eye, broad forehead, long upper lip length and prominent lower lip, small chin and a full cheeks. Some people who are affected with this disorder have dental problems such as small, widely spaced teeth and teeth that are crooked or missing. In older children and adults, the face appears longer or thin and bony.

This condition is also characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, unique personality characteristics and cardiovascular problems. Developmental delays are present such as delay of language abilities and delayed motor skill development. Language abilities are usually observed to be deficient until adolescence period through describing phrases and identifying words including the interaction of speech sounds although a person with Williams syndrome sometimes good in vocabulary. Development of motor skills are also delayed such as in learning to walk, writing and drawing, assembling puzzles, performing strength and readiness of the arms and hands in physical activity. In addition to this, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), anxiety and phobias are common among people with this developmental disorder.

People who are affected with Williams syndrome typically achieve a below-average height and weight. They have developed joint problems, weakened muscle tone and problems in visual, digestive and urinary that probably the reason why they are typically limited in their ability to live independently. But I would like to emphasize that this developmental impairment is attributed more on psychological symptoms than physiological problems.

Can Williams syndrome be inherited? You don’t have to worry because according to the medical experts, Williams syndrome is not inherited, but still there is a possibility to occur in people even with no history of the disorder in their family.

There is no cure for Williams syndrome.

FULL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS with SPECIAL NEEDS

2012-05-07T12:03:00.000+08:00

How important is it for students with special needs to have a better educational placement in school? As far as I know, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require that all individuals with special needs must be educated in an appropriate Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

In this educational placement, students can meet their educational needs and many factors should be considered such as the type of skills, values and behaviors they need to learn; direct instructions that student needs; or need to receive instructional supports that maximize their participation in the general education curriculum; will help them to achieve their goals and; can develop their ability to focus. What does this mean? It simply means that students needed not to be distracted by distractions like noise, etc. So, Least Restrictive Environment would be highly recommended for students with disabilities to support their learning completely.

I can still remember when a special education teacher argued with me about ‘distraction’. It seemed that he didn’t understand what he was talkin’ about. I told him that students must be placed in an appropriate educational placement to avoid distraction. But he answered me; “kahit saan naman ilagay ang mga ganyang ‘sped’ lagi silang destructed. I asked him to spell out the word and he spelled two words, “destructed and destruction.” The spelling was correct but he didn’t really know the word ‘destruction’ means ‘act of destroying’. Whew! He sounded so funny. He didn’t even know the difference between the words distraction and destruction.

Well, I have found these meanings from the dictionary:

· Destruction is an act or a process of damaging something; the state or fact of being destroyed.

· Distraction the act of distracting; that which distracts or divides the attention, or prevents concentration.

As I have learned from several seminars conducted by Dr. Edilberto Dizon and Autism Society of the Philippines, special educators may try to develop ways to meet the student’s needs in the school. They should be provided all types of support since parents entrusted their children to an institution wherein they might be given an appropriate educational support and placement as well. I believe that there is a need for well-trained special educators who have expertise in effective instruction for students with disabilities. They should have to work effectively in inclusive schools.

So from giving all the educational support up to placing the students into Least Restrictive Environment will prove that special educators and institutions for students with disabilities are doing their best to meet all the students’ needs.

“Distracted by all sorts of distractions, it wanders around aimlessly in the ten directions.” --- Sri Guru Granth Sahib

INDIVIDUALS with DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES’ LIFE SPAN

2012-03-16T16:10:00.002+08:00

How long do individuals with developmental disabilities live? The question is really difficult to answer. Though there are some disabilities that not classified as a medical condition but it is the disability itself that determines life expectancy rather than the underlying cause. However, the said individuals are prone to a number of factors that are known to reduce life expectancy such as incontinence (which means the inability of the body to control the functions of urination), swallowing difficulties, epilepsy, degree of cognitive and intellectual damage and the foremost is immobility. Immobile people usually suffer from sores, respiratory and kidney problems.

Recently, I heard from foreign news that in the United Kingdom, individuals with developmental disabilities have shorter life span compared to regular individuals. Perhaps, they unable to provide self-care and they need to spend their entire life under some form of supervision. But there are individuals who have functional communication and don’t depend on others for their personal needs and some are just slightly suffer from minor physical health problems because they can seek help. Although there is argument about the factors that reduce life expectancy and even debates to determine or estimate individuals with developmental disabilities’ life span.

Just asking myself, 'Doesn’t God allow the individuals with developmental disabilities particularly those who have mental retardation or down syndrome and Autism, to die ahead of their parents because nobody will take care of them?' God gave these ‘special individuals’ to the people who are responsible to handle them… They are given to the parents who can cite patience, respect, acceptance, compassion and LOVE. Although parents may entrust them to their relatives or institution when or before they die but nobody could treat and love their children the way they do. Isn’t it the reason why special children or individuals with developmental disabilities have short life span?

But we should bear in mind that God is totally sovereign in the way that He is handling, directing, controlling our lives... That nobody could predict how and when a person will depart from this life.

The best that we can do is help the individual/s with special needs to be happy, feel belonged and accepted... And part of this wonderful world.

Individuals with Autism Have Exceptional Talents and Brilliance

2012-01-18T15:39:00.000+08:00

According to the research, individuals with autism particularly children display a wide range of intellectual abilities. And I have proven that because my child shows strong memory skills. He has Asperger's Syndrome Disorder but he has intelligence in the normal range.

But let’s talk about other people with Autism who show exceptional talents despite their functional disabilities. Along with the difficulties, autism brings individual strengths with special abilities. Those abilities include strong memory skills, math skills, creative thinking skills, musical ability, artistic ability and some others. Many individuals with Autism show special talents in a specific area of interest such as artistic abilities, musical abilities, excellent calculation, etc.

But let me inform you that not all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) just focused in a specific area of interest. There are few or at least 10 percent (10%) of individuals with Autism have been reported to show savant abilities in music, drawing, etc.

What is savant, anyway? Well, it is a rare condition in which individuals with developmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have one or more areas of expertise, ability or intelligence. They can memorize all the capitals of the world, reading fluently, dismantling and reassembling electronic gadgets or machines or they may be a computer wizard. They may also perform well in examinations that involve visual-spatial abilities. They are good in fixing jigsaw puzzles and understanding abstract ideas and proven that they have an excellent rote memory. These are just some examples of the amazing talents that have been observed in individuals with Autism.

Please don’t underestimate persons with Autism because they might be talented and intelligent than YOU!

Photos by PhotoStocks

SPECIAL EDUCATION MUSICAL SHOW 2011

2011-12-09T10:32:00.001+08:00

The 2nd Special Education Musical Show in my child’s school has been very successful yesterday. The said musical show entitled "Bond of the Bands", was a sing and dance musical play created for elementary and high school students with special needs. The show based on the music of 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000's. The created special education musical show was very great. I know it contributed positively to physical, emotional and mental aspects of the students. It also created an atmosphere where they can express themselves through music rather than behavior.

The presentation of the students has been so fantastic. Apparently, that was the best way for them to show their talents. I guess, proving their abilities might be an incredible challenge for them. I believe that it could help develop their self-confidence and build their self-esteem. On my own perspective... singing, dancing and even playing musical instrument/s gives them a better sense of where their bodies are in space, creating muscle memory, motor planning and good anticipation of what step/s or movement/s comes next.

We, who have a big heart for students with special needs are better listeners when don’t hear a spoken word. For students like them, being heard in song or seeing in dance can give a children or young adolescents a better chance to express what they might not have had time to say in any other way. But what disgusting is, there was a special education teacher who didn’t understand the capability of these students. She doesn’t even know that these individuals could feel if they are discriminated or accepted. As special education teacher, he/she must know how to share his/her sincere feelings or love that can release these 'special individuals' briefly from their own sense of isolation, loneliness and feeling of discrimination.

Before the event, there were issues and misunderstandings regarding the musical play. But for the sake of the students, some concerned special education advocates insisted that the 'show must go on’. On this case, definitely, a positive teamwork and cooperation must be needed among the special education teachers, shadow teachers, teacher aids, parents and the students themselves. During the rehearsals, others were cooperative but others weren’t. But what is good, the musical play was successfully done with the efforts of all the people concerned about this event.

I do hope that an exciting new relationship among special education teachers, educational coaches and parents may build soon.

As special education advocates, we must not forget that friendship and good relationship may inspire students with disabilities.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER DISCRIMINATES MY CHILD

2011-11-30T16:42:00.001+08:00

What is it like being a special education teacher? Being a special education teacher is the hardest, but most rewarding job in the whole universe. But not all are really good and can be rewarded because there are special education teachers who show negative behavior and it is really awful. Perhaps in educational capability, they are certified but not qualified in handling students with special needs.

I know a certain special education teacher with bad attitude, not only with his students but with her fellow teachers, too. The way she treats her students is totally unfair and unequal. I don’t know if she’s practicing favoritism. Or maybe it is because the students could not follow her instructions. But doesn’t she know that it is unlawful for a special education teacher to discriminate against students with special needs? This can also be called harassment.

Teacher Perfectionist, you must know that students with disabilities can’t cope up easily with the tasks you give to them. They might not be able to comply to what you would like them to do. Have you forgotten that they are not regular individuals? Not unless, you're out of your mind. So, do not raise your voice at them for they will be more unable to concentrate on what they are doing particularly on their rehearsals for the Sped Musical show.

And PLEASE, do not compare my child with other students. This sort of thinking or action promotes discrimination against my child. You must understand that he doesn’t have a choice about his disability but you definitely have a choice how you accept him. Bear this in your narrow mind, all children develop differently and this is absolutely true for special needs individuals. Just focus on what my child can do and it may help lessen your stress. Believe me, this is 100% guaranteed! Baka sakaling mabago pa po yan ‘napakaganda ninyong pag-uugali.

You are not supposed to teach and handle students with disabilities because you don’t understand what special education is all about.

Photos by PhotoStocks

LEARNING STYLES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

2011-11-25T09:24:00.001+08:00

It is sad to know that there are still many children struggled in school due to a lack of explanation for their varied learning styles. As special education teachers, they must seek to empower children with special needs by providing modified and effective teaching styles. Learning should be engaging and fun for all students in order for them not to get bored.

DO NOT LABEL A CHILD WITH DISABILITY

2011-11-21T13:19:00.001+08:00

You might be able to spot a few kids with special needs, but you probably don't notice all of them. A kid could have a problem that isn't noticeable unless you know the person well. So please do not label a child with disability... Labels degrade. Labels evoke negative pictures in our heads. Let them grow up and gain their own perspective of their own world.

DETERMINED LADY DESPITE HER DISABILITY

2011-11-17T10:08:00.001+08:00

Too often disabled individuals are not given the opportunity to become helpful or needed, or to learn. But this woman living with Cerebral Palsy who can’t able to speak or use her hands, and was uneducated just proved that despite her physical condition she still holds a determination and positive outlook in life... that being physically limited does not mean that she cannot fulfill her ambitions and achieve her personal goals. She taught herself to write using her left foot. She’s so wonderful.

BULLYING CHILDREN with DISABILITIES

2011-11-14T12:30:00.001+08:00

Bullying has been proven by numerous studies to be a serious problem. Harassment of children with disabilities has increased nationally or globally. These children may not always be able to identify when they have been bullied, especially when the bullying is more subtle. The effects of bullying children with disabilities can be extremely distressing but it’s difficult for them to speak up or seek help.

I'LL BE THERE FOREVER

2011-11-12T08:15:00.001+08:00

I decided to study special education not just because I enjoy working with individuals with developmental disabilities but to penetrate my very own child's world, so that i would KNOW and UNDERSTAND what he needs and wants... How I wish to take him out of his own realm and show the beauty of the real world... But if I could not able to do so, I'll just stay and live with him in his wonderful world.

PLEASE, TREAT ME NICE!

2011-11-11T09:12:00.001+08:00

If a child with Autism could just speak, he might tell you this: "I do not actually suffer from Autism, but I do suffer from the way you treat me. Please treat me like a human being... with kindness, love and compassion".

Photo by PhotoStocks

TEACHER, PLEASE DON'T SAY BAD WORDS!

2011-10-25T14:39:00.000+08:00

No special education teacher should EVER use a BAD WORD to her students with special needs... If the teacher has developed this bad habit especially when she gets mad at her students, I guess, she better quit her job immediately after using such an offensive word because school is not the right workplace for her.

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DON'T MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE with SPECIAL NEEDS

2011-10-23T19:28:00.002+08:00

Children and people with special needs are often treated badly by the people they met and worst, by their relatives. They must understand the condition what these children/people are going through. Realize that this condition is not their choice. So don't make fun of them. Treat them in a good manner and give as much respect and care to them as you would give to anyone else.

Photo by PhotoStocks

GOD GIVES US STRENGTH

2011-09-21T09:51:00.000+08:00

Like most parents of children with special needs, I remember the day that our child was diagnosed with a certain type of disability. It seemed as though everything crumbled. I was overwhelmed by the heartache, grief, questioning why and how, and questioning the future. Though my husband and I both felt weak and weighed down by all the implications of a diagnosis of autism, we knew that if we were to regain our strength to face the days ahead, it would have to come from the Lord. And God came through. Little by little, we felt ourselves gaining more strength not only to face our situation. We found that God was indeed our refuge and our strength and that He truly was an ever-present help in our darkest days of trouble.

God gave us the strength so that we don’t lose heart in facing the challenges that lie before us... He gave us enough strength to overcome all weariness in our life. We are so blessed to have our child in our life and to think that even a single moment, God never leave us.

Photo by: PhotoStocks

Reading Faces / Interpreting Emotions

2011-09-12T08:54:00.001+08:00

This skill is important either at home or in school. Many misunderstandings arise from students misinterpreting the emotions of others. Sometimes students can be confused by what a particular look means. They may easily mistake a look of disappointment and think someone is angry, or they may mistake a nervous expression for a funny one.

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MY CHILD’s BEHAVIORAL REGRESSION

2011-05-19T16:35:00.034+08:00

People don’t understand what special children can actually be particularly those who have Asperger’s Syndrome or commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Coping with a child who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very difficult especially when they display challenging behavior such as aggressive behavior and no speech at all. But individuals with Asperger’s disorders are often very intelligent and I can proudly say that my son is one of them.

Since kindergarten up to 1^st year high school, my son has been perfect in school either in academics and social skills. He could be able to perform on the stage play or school programs with his regular classmates. He has a very sharp memory... He could even express his feelings, thoughts and ideas... But everything has been changed...

Apparently, he is literally unable to think for himself. Most of the time, I’m trying to be patient and understand his condition. But as a mother, it seems that someone is stabbing my heart every time I see my child’s behavior. Although he does not show aggressive behavior/s but the behaviors that I can see on him now was not manifested before such as flapping and shaking his hands, too slow when walking and eating, doesn’t want to express his feelings and thoughts, doesn’t read his books anymore and doesn’t even draw on his drawing notebook. And most of all, he doesn’t make a note for me when he noticed that I am angry, sad or quiet. I miss those things so much.

I keep on talking to him to get back to what he is before... But he can’t regain the skills that were lost. He is also becoming less aware of his surroundings. I’m so tired of thinking and doing some strategies or behavior modifications such as reinforcement, etc. I'm also tryin' so hard to help him “do” for HIMSELF, but it just doesn’t seem to take anymore. I don’t know if he could just have strong behavior adaptation or he goes through these periods of significant behavioral regression. The term regression refers to a loss of previously acquired skills, such as language, motor, or life skills.

My son will be closely monitored for any changes or continued regression and we won’t hesitate to call for help if necessary. But how can we do that if we could not have enough money to support his medical needs? I feel so pity on him... Nobody would like to help us even our relatives and immediate family members. Perhaps, they don’t really understand my child’s condition or they just don’t really care about him. This is the reason why I continuously struggling and trying to achieve my goal in life so that I can be able to give all my child's needs particularly comprehensive intervention and therapies for him; and in order for him to enroll in a social group where he can be able to enhance or regain his social skills.

If I could just turn the hands of the clock so fast... But I believe that there is a right time for everything... I know, God has a good and perfect plan for us especially for my child.

Yam... bear in mind that Daddy & Mommy will always be here for you because we love you much... As your mother, nobody can hurt you either physically or emotionally... I will fight for you till the end.

"I am the wind beneath your wings... You and me against the world"... (two BEAUTIFUL songs that I dedicate to you, son).

My Great Fear in Life!

2009-11-01T13:05:00.010+08:00

What is going to happen to our child when I and my husband are no longer here? Who will take the custody of our child when we die? This is my great fear in life… I know leaving our child alone in this world can greatly affect the quality of his life. How I wish that may our dear God extend my life so that I can be with my child till he can be able to live by himself.

As years go by I’m getting sickly perhaps because I am not getting any younger. But whatever pain I feel every day I just ignore it because I would like to survive and want to live longer for my child. But there are times I can’t help myself crying. Why? It’s because my child suffers from being rejected by his classmates especially the boys. For whatever reason, I don’t know but perhaps because they don’t like to socialize with Sped pupils like my child.

Last year, my child was physically injured because of the foolishness of one of his classmates. The “bully boy” put out his foot to forestall my child while walking inside their classroom. But before that incident, the said “bully” intimidated my child several times physically and emotionally and was even saying offensive terms to him just like “p---- ina kang sped ka!, crazy, nutty etc.”

My son loves to play and make friends. But there are times that he asks me why his classmates don’t like to talk to him nor even play with him. I just answer him; maybe they are too busy… And I try to tell him some other alibis that could make him ease a little pain in his heart. But how so painful it is to a mother like me when you knew that your child feels so bad? How I wished them to become friendly to my child because he likes them so much. But it’s out of my control and I have nothing to do with it. Even my brother in-law shows no affection for our child. Doesn’t he know that my little big boy is his own “flesh and blood”? So, those are the examples of my fear… Thinking that I am still alive and can still be able protect our child… But what if I could not beside him anymore? Now, tell me why should I fear not when thinking what will happen to our child when we, his parents are no longer here?

What my child experiencing is a stigma which means that he feels not socially accepted in school, community or even in our society. Something else that I can do is diverting what’s in his mind by talking about the things where he could be focused… just like about insects, dinosaurs and some other animals etc.

I and my husband make sure that we must have time to take him to the mall or park where he will feel comfortable and can express his ideas… because for him, family bonding is very important.

I wish that I could stay here forever for my little big boy!

In Raising Up a Special Child

2009-10-29T12:11:00.020+08:00

As a mother of a child with special needs, it’s really a great challenge and experience on how to raise him. Finding out that my child has mild autism is one of the most painful things that happened to me. At first I was distraught but when I've got enough courage, I stand firmly to be able to protect and guide my son where he can live the most productive and fulfilled life possible.

Although there are times that I need to be soothed and encouraged because daily stress for taking care of my child especially when he’s throwing tantrums really makes me feel so awful. And from the very start, I experienced a variety of maternal struggles in raising my child but I have learned how to cope with it all. I have also my adrenalin to be strong enough for him. As I persevered in my responsibilities to raise my special boy, I later realized our blessings where hidden in a challenge… God really loves us.

I know God’s hand is always upon my brilliant big boy… the lovable one who brings us joy and laughter every minute, every hour, everyday... And we thank our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us enough strength, patience and love to raise our child and do our best to mold him with love and fear in God despite of his condition.