01 February 2017

Assisting a Child with Special Needs

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.