Should we label our children as having "special" needs or not?
By wheel416
@wheel416 (1019)
Canada
January 24, 2009 9:45am CST
As always, this discussion was born in my wee little brain as I responded to another Mylotters discussion. (Thanks, Dawn! You are an excellent source of inspiration. 
) Anyway, in a former lifetime, before I had to quit working I worked with children who had developmental disabilities.
On one hand, I see the need to label or categorize children so they can receive extra help, or special services. We need to have a diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, or FAS for example, say that we can better help the children to learn. The downside to diagnosing children as having special needs as I see it, is that sometimes expectations are then lowered for that child. I have seen several cases where a child probably has not reached their full potential because someone has a thought them incapable. Sometimes, because of this sometimes a diagnosis can actually hurt a child rather than help them.
What do you think? Does labeling a child help them or not? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to diagnosing children as having special needs?As always, your thoughts are appreciated.
) Anyway, in a former lifetime, before I had to quit working I worked with children who had developmental disabilities.
On one hand, I see the need to label or categorize children so they can receive extra help, or special services. We need to have a diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, or FAS for example, say that we can better help the children to learn. The downside to diagnosing children as having special needs as I see it, is that sometimes expectations are then lowered for that child. I have seen several cases where a child probably has not reached their full potential because someone has a thought them incapable. Sometimes, because of this sometimes a diagnosis can actually hurt a child rather than help them.
What do you think? Does labeling a child help them or not? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to diagnosing children as having special needs?As always, your thoughts are appreciated.4 responses
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
24 Jan 09
I think that labels are okay if they are used in order address the needs of the child. However, if it would be use to humiliate or to expect less from that child, then it shouldn't be used at all. I think that with the hype over special education, parents are being paranoid whenever they see something different in their kids. They are quick to label and to decide that their child is like this or like that. In the end, children loose.
1 person likes this
@wheel416 (1019)
• Canada
25 Jan 09
Hi there bubbly,
I could not agree with you more. It seems to me that we have a name for just about everything now. I think we have gone "syndrome crazy" in one sense. For example, we no longer have a ticked off kid, we have a kid that has " oppositional defiant disorder". When did a kid who was throwing a temper tantrum, become a special needs child and not just a kid who didn't get what he wanted?
Please do not misunderstand me, there are disabilities out there that are absolutely real and a challenge to deal with. But sometimes I think people are using it as a get out of the jail free card, or as an excuse for their child's inappropriate behavior.
@will19 (15)
•
26 Jan 09
I have to say im a bit sceptical abut some of the so called special needs, such as i dont think that ADHD is a proper disorder. However i think that it is fine to label certain genetic disabilities that affect learning as specail need, such as downs syndrome. As to whether i think it is a help or hinderance to that person, i believe it is a help. In the UK there are certain rules which enocourage the employment of 'special needs' into all forms of work, allowing tham to get into areas they would not normally be able to. This is similar for children, they get an better tailored education to meet their needs, and the kind of small person which decides to humiliate a person described as 'special needs' is not worth thinking about, so that is not a problem, these people are somewhat outcast from society. In conclusion, although i believe only certain disorders can be describes as 'special needs' i believe it is generally a good description of those people.
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
25 Jan 09
My son has Autism, and I've noticed that a lot of people use that phrase so much it actually gets on my nerves. Not that I've never used it. When I was interviewing for my job they asked why my available hours were so limited. I said "I have a child with special needs that I have to put on the bus and take off the bus everyday." That was that. Of course, I was a little stunned when the person said "oh... what's wrong with him?" I told her nothing's wrong, he just has Autism and that it's something he needs me to do -- otherwise it throws his whole day out of whack.
But so many people go on and on and on and it's "special needs this" and "special needs that." It's almost like they're making excuses... "I'm sorry my daughter peed on your carpet, she has special needs."
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I think there are many disadvantages and advantages from labeling anyone. People tend to assume you are something in their own way just because you have a label as something. 'If you are handicap then you are this.' In that sense there is disadvantage because that is only the ignorance of those people. But there is a fact that you are something other than the others... and in that sense the labeling would be an advantage.
