What Are "Special Needs"?

Written by Yasiph
Sunday, 07 January 2007
One Term, Many Definitions: "Special Needs" is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family. Minuses and Pluses: "Special needs" are commonly defined by what a child can't do -- by milestones unmet, foods banned, activities avoided, experiences denied. These minuses hit families hard, and may make "special needs" seem like a tragic designation. Some parents will always mourn their child's lost potential, and many conditions become more troubling with time. Other families may find that their child's challenges make triumphs sweeter, and that weaknesses are often accompanied by amazing strengths. Different Concerns: Pick any two families of children with special needs, and they may seem to have little in common. A family dealing with developmental delays will have different concerns than one dealing with chronic illness, which will have different concerns than one dealing with mental illness or learning problems or behavioral challenges... read more on specialchildren.about.com ނުކުޅެދޭކުދިންތަ؟ ނޫނީ ޚާއްސަ އެހީއަށްބޭނުންވާކުދިންތަ؟ Vote on what you feel is the best term to call children with 'Special needs' or 'disabled' http://www.yafaau.info/med-info/index.php
Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 January 2007 )

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Newsflash

How is Yafaau?

Yafaau is generally ok but we are concerned about his low weight. He's getting thinner day by day, although we try every effort not to let that happen. With feeding difficulty, we are also limited to different textures of food because he is on semi-solid food diet. We also could not give just any food as he is prone to constipation and that has been a concern since his early years.

But he is Fun to be with, smiles and even laughs on when we play with him. Samiya, my wonderful wife makes my life easier takes great care of him and am sort a happy with how he's improving. Slowly but surely :)

Thank you for being with us at Yafaau's FanClub

Thank you all very much for your blessings and concern, and thank you for being with us.

I'd like to remind all of you on Yafaau's FanClub again about telling young minds about children like Yafaau. Talking to young children about children with disAbilities do help them understand more about these "unusual" kids or maybe adults. Many "special" parents still feel difficult to be in public places due to community's response on their child. I however feel if children in our community is openly explained and their parents are made aware of the fact that it is okay to approach and ask "special" parents questions they do not happen to know. Because most of them don't know of any child or a person with a disAbility. Anyway, We can and we will, insha Allah see that day.