When Special Children Are Not So Special

http://autismacceptanceday.blogspot.com

Any children with a disability or disorder needs special needs, ergo, they are called special children.  They were not called as such because they have ice cream on top, or they are supposed to be given preferential treatment.  A little consideration, yes, but they also just want to be normal just like you and me.

My son, Dale, once asked me "Mom, can you help me?  It's my brain.  I think it's wired differently.  I do not think like you or everyone else.  I have prayed every night, just like you said.  I asked God to please, please, please make my brother and my classmates like me, but it's not working.  They still keep saying that they hate me."  As a mother, my heart broke at what he said.  I cannot fathom why someone can say that they hate a person and mean it.  Hate is such a strong word, and so is love; and both should be said and given when it is true.

What can I say to my child that could make him feel better?  Is it really true that everything will be okay in the end? That when I told him to just ignore the bullies, will they really stop?

This is our society.  When we see a person who seems to be looking at nothing or seems to be laughing on his own, we conclude that the person is mentally ill.  When the person do not say "Hi!" back at you or just hum when he is bored, we say he is autistic, "May sariling mundo." 

Then we go say "Aw..." at the new McDonald'scommercial, but never really understood what those brothers have gone through.  Children with Down Syndrome are easily recognized because of their physical appearance, but what about the other children with different disabilities?  They look just like you and me.  If McDonald's used a "KUYA"  with ADHD, will you still recognize his disability?  Will you still say "Aw...?" 

Personally, if you see a differently-abled child, you do not need to know what he's got.  You need not bother with labeling, especially if you are not there to help him.  Labeling is important only to those who are handling his case, like a therapist or a doctor.  It is important for them so they can treat him properly.  Labeling should never be used as a tool to ridicule a person or to limit his capabilities.  

That is the reason behind wanting to change the label to CWA (Children with Autism) from "autistic," because it becomes who they are.  Thus, instead of saying "I have autism," you define yourself by saying "I am autistic."  Autism is not the person, autism is just a disorder he has. 

And I dream of a world where we all know the difference.