SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER DISCRIMINATES MY CHILD

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

DETERMINED LADY DESPITE HER DISABILITY

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.

MY CHILD’s BEHAVIORAL REGRESSION

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).