CaringCalm.org

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Topics
    • Adoption
    • Advocacy
    • Assistive Technology
    • Behavior
    • Braille and Literacy
    • Communication
    • Conferences and Fundraising
    • Eye Conditions and Syndromes
    • Feeding and Eating
    • Fine and Gross Motor
    • Giveaways
    • Growth and Development
    • Helpful Organizations
    • Holiday Crafts and Ideas
    • IEPs and Education
    • iPad Apps and Accessibility
    • Light Play
    • Math and Science
    • Medicine
    • Music Play
    • Orientation and Mobility
    • Parenting
    • Research Studies
    • Schools for the Blind
    • Sensory Activities
    • Sleep Solutions
    • Support
    • Tactile Art
    • Toys and Recreation

Nurturing the Emotional Development of Children with Disabilities

dad and son having fun at the beach
 

By Lesley Potgieter

From the moment a child is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or any other disability, one’s immediate thought from the professionals to the parents focuses on the physical and cognitive development of the child.

What we sometimes forget is that the long-term emotional implications for children and their families living with disabilities are vast. This is true for any child diagnosed with a disability. As we focus on their cognitive and physical development, are we ignoring their emotional development?

Children with special needs need a viable resource and a safe environment where they are free to express any negative feelings surrounding their condition without repercussions. Families who are struggling to come to terms with the situation need to see they are not alone. Children often relate better to inanimate objects, like stuffed toys, where they can be free to express their emotions without criticism, and this is an approach that has numerous positive effects and spin-offs.

There comes a point in every child’s life where they become acutely aware of themselves, their surroundings and their place in the world. This is no different for a child with disabilities. It is often during this time that their uniqueness is highlighted and felt more acutely and they are often left feeling frustrated, especially as there are few role models for them to aspire to. It is often left up to parents, who themselves are trying to cope, to help their child come to terms with their reality.

Children are constantly trying to assimilate and interpret the world around them. This is true for Cerebral Palsied kids as well and they sometimes find it harder to process society’s view that is being projected back at them which is in many instances is vastly different from their own. It is important to assist those children by developing a positive self image and to learn to work within the parameters of their disability rather than being defined by them.

dad hugging his sonChildren being mainstreamed need help to make the transition easier. It is often not only the child that needs assistance but also the school, class and teacher. It is important to demystify any preconceived ideas by educating all those involved and changing their perception.

Often it is only those who work within the specialized field of education who are aware of disabilities like Cerebral Palsy which can make integration into mainstream schools difficult. There is a lack of knowledge and a preconceived idea of what the child with a disability is capable of achieving. There also needs to be interventions or projects that aim to change the perceptions of teachers at a training level. Teachers who do not specialize in remedial education need to be aware of changing their approach to working with the child with special needs and helping them reach long-term goals that will allow them to become productive members of society.

While much emphasis is placed on mainstream issues that normal children face, there is untapped resource in the potential of Cerebral Palsied children. By focusing and incorporating this aspect into the development of future programs, therapists can help mould and change the outcome of the disabled children they work with.

Although children with special needs may attend specialized schools, families often feel that they are living in isolation having to deal with not only the physical implications of the disability but the social and emotional aspects too. We need to change the focus and look beyond the immediate solutions, but help families set realistic yet achievable goals that will help define and set the path for those living with disabilities and their future.

This is especially true when it comes to more rural settings where ignorance and bias is rife. Communities need to be educated and families need help to recognize that although they may feel like they live in isolation, there is a common bond that connects them with other families facing the same challenges.

Not every family has the ability to provide enough emotional encouragement that will sustain their child’s development. Professionals in specialized education like physical, occupational and speech therapists also need tools to assist them to give additional support to those families that seek it.

The author, Lesley Potgieter, was born with CP and attended a specialized school before being mainstreamed in grade 7 and later qualifying as a teacher. Four years ago she suffered a stroke which has added to her challenges. Lesley has an integral, personal knowledge of the issues she writes about. Her Aware Bears project aims at addressing many of the issues she raises.

 

pictures of little boy with disabilities

 

Jun 8, 2013Guest Post
What are your thoughts?
Developing Your Blind Child's Sleep ScheduleFinding Online Support Groups for Parents of Blind Kids
You Might Also Like
Helping your blind child develop effective listening skills
Helping Your Blind Baby Develop Through Play
Guest Post

This post was written by one of our guest contributors. Please contact us if you would like to tell your story or share a resource with the WonderBaby.org community!

7 years ago Growth and Development
2616
Find us on…

Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram


How to organize your IEP paperwork
Most Popular Posts
Ivan with his touch book
Make Your Own Touch Book!
17108
A stubborn toddler doing potty training
How to Potty Train a Stubborn Toddler
15303
Ivan playing on his iPad
5 Ways to Get a Free iPad for Your Special Needs Child!
13706
braille blocks, puzzles and buttons
25 Braille Toys for Kids Who are Blind
12982
sleeping Ivan
Help! My Baby Won’t Sleep!
11346
About
WonderBaby.org

WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Learn more.

Keep in Touch

Contacting WonderBaby.org is easy! Just send a message to the email below or reach out through social media. Hope to hear from you soon!

Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram

Email: help@wonderbaby.org

Learn More

Learn more about our family, our website and how you can become part of the WonderBaby.org team!

  • Our Story
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • WonderBaby.org Printable Flyer
  • Advertise with Us
  • Accessibility Options
Translations

At WonderBaby.org we are here to support parents and caregivers of young children who are blind all over the world!

  • Arabic Resources: مصادر عربية
  • Spanish Resources: Recursos en Español
  • Dutch Resources: Informatie in het Nederlands

Learn more about our translations.

© 2006-2021 WonderBaby.org • PO Box 682 Watertown MA 02471 USA