How does it feel to assist a CSN?
Allow me to
answer this question in two ways — as a mother and as a teacher.
As a mother of a CSN:
My first
reaction? Scared! It is like stepping into a world unknown. What I read
technically in books is just so different from the real thing. When my son was
diagnosed with autism in 2005 (he was 2 years/9 months old then), I was pushed
into an unexpected situation with no time to think, no time to mourn, and no
time to catch my breath. Scary! Overwhelming! Tiring! And later, thankful. I
felt lucky to be gifted this experience, thankful for this opportunity for only
the chosen few. Living with a CSN, assisting and providing the best possible
care, addressing his every need, and trying every possible intervention and
even the never-before-tried strategies, gave me hope in the unknown, faith in
myself and in what I can do and the length I would go just to make him better
and fit into society.
As a teacher:
It feels
rewarding to see the child unlock his world, and allow and trust me to get into
his world where no one has ever had access. Through my years of experience in
assisting children with special needs, I learned that getting through to them
emotionally opens their mind academically. I not only help the children but
their families as well. I make them see that life is going to continue for him
after the diagnosis, that there is something to look forward to, that is the
CSN’s independent living and possible employment, and a better placement in an
accepting society. And on its fruition, it would really feel SO GOOD knowing
that I was a part of it.
Every
experience with a CSN will always humble me down and remind me that “Nobody is
perfect,” — each one unique in his own
little way.
