Special Needs Children
By Suzanneo
@Suzanneo (40)
United States
May 7, 2007 1:45pm CST
Hello,
I am Suzanne. My daughter's name was Sierra. She was a special needs child. She passed away last Feb at age 4. She was awesome. She taught me so much about myself and special needs children. I was divorced from her father when she was a little over 1 years old. My mother helped me take care of her when I worked. She taught me that although to others she was special needs to me she was Sierra. I learned so much about how you don't always have to speak to be able to communicate. She also showed those around her how the doctors are not always right, and sometimes science is not everything.
Since her passing I went, and got my hab tech license so in addition to my office job I watch a wonderful five year old special needs child. I see so much in these precious children. I try to also help advocate for them. Just wanted to see if there were others out there with a special needs child, and share info.
2 people like this
3 responses
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
19 May 07
Hello Suzanne and welome to MyLot! :)
I am assuming that is your daughter in the Avatar...She is absolutely beautiful!!
I was an Educational Assistant before I had my son and my heart has always been with the special needs children!
My son was born almost four years ago and about a year and a half ago he was given the diagnosis of Autism. This totally changed my life at the time and now he is such a joy to me...I agree with you on the fact that they teach us so much and enrich our lives greatly!!
My son is only partially verbal right now and cannot contribute to or conduct a conversation. He does however communicate through words as well as actions...His laugh, his smile, and his hugs are all the communication that I need some days. When I am down he is my light. He brings me back to the simpler things in life even though we do have our difficult times but he is improving!:)
My son is my son who happens to have limitations but he is not the Autism. He is a hard worker and strives to fight through those limitations and do the task at hand ie:Cutting with scissors. I am so proud of him every day!
I now work part-time at a grocery store as I need to be with my son...I miss the other children that I used to work with but now my son is my all!:)
Thanks for this discussion and I hope it comes to the attention of other parents on here as there are quite a few of us who could share some stories... I have met some beautiful people in my time here.
We can definately learn from each other and be a support for each other as well!!
Happy My Lotting Suzanne, it is great to have you here:)
1 person likes this
@Suzanneo (40)
• United States
20 May 07
Wow thank you. That is my daughter in the avatar. The first thing I must say that struck me was I have always said that these children ground you, and bring out the simpler things in life. I always said that although others saw her as a special needs child I saw her as Sierra.
Sierra could not speak, but she could make sounds. Just like your son that was all I needed. She actually had some impecible timing with her sounds. She made us all laugh at times to know she was either disgusted with something or almost seemed like she was adding to the conversation.
Your son is very lucky to have you as a Mom. That is wonderful that you are with him. I still visit the school my daughter went to for special needs children. The girl I currently watch goes there as well. It is a wonderful magical place. They provide all the therapies etc.. Most of all they are really creative in what they do there.
I wish you the best, and hope to hear from you again.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
20 May 07
You are very welcome Suzanne :)
Thank you for sharing your story with me!
I will keep an eye out and respond as often as I can to your discussions!:) It is my pleasure to contribute to such valuable discussions!!
Hope you are having a fabulous week-end! :)
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
18 May 07
Hi Suzanne,
I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. I agree, you don't always have to speak to communicate. My grandson (almost 4) is a special needs child. He's autistic. He's come a long way, but still has far to go. While medicine is a wonderful thing, and certainly necessary, I understand where you're coming from in what you've expressed about doctors and science. There are just 'some things' that can't be explained this way. It's wonderful that in addition to your office job, you've taken steps to allow you to work with special needs children. I have a friend who's an RN, and she specializes in pediatric care, and works in the homes of these beautiful kids. She's experienced the loss of many 'of these angels,' and still her vocation brings her great joy. I also admire you for your efforts in advocating for those who can't speak for themselves. Welcome to myLot.
@Suzanneo (40)
• United States
18 May 07
Thank you. My daughter went to a wonderful school here for special needs children. It is nice because the little girl I watch goes there so once I a week when I pick her up there for therapies I get to see the teachers, and therapists that had my daughter. I truly wish your grandson the best. I think all of these children are wonderful. It amazes me how much these kids go through, and yet still have their little personalities, and manage to endure so much. Thank you for welcoming me!
2 people like this
@cecillecarmela (3818)
• Philippines
28 Dec 07
hi! i'm interested in teaching special children. i just want to know how did you cope with the challenges throughout all those years with your daughter?
