Nurturing Children with
Diverse Abilities
in Education, Learning, Communication, and Socialization
Philipose
Vaidyar
Pradeep (name changed) is 20 years old,
had struggled in his schooling, and at last, passed higher secondary. The boy
does not talk much to people, does not express things well, is mostly silent,
and stays at home, say the parents. The father is well-employed and
has not made many initiatives other than earning and providing for the family.
Mother does a lot of research on the internet and protects their children well
and do not expose them much to the world outside. Their parents are
confused as to which course to join him. Kevin is 14 years old, you
talk to him, and he would only stare at you passively. He does not respond to
any strangers or even guest who comes to his home. Give him a mobile or laptop,
and he will be glued to the seat. His parents say, he is just like that, he
does not talk much to others. At school, he studies well and performs well on
the paper.
Every child possesses a remarkable set of qualities and potential,
making them truly unique individuals. As social beings, children crave
learning, interaction, and growth, but their diverse abilities and disabilities
can present challenges in various aspects of their development. Education or learning,
communication, and socialization are essential domains where children flourish,
but there can also be areas where they face obstacles. In this article, we will
explore the importance of acknowledging and addressing these challenges, and
discuss strategies to effectively support and empower children with diverse
abilities. (Cases of children who can be
diagnosed by medical practitioners and treated are not considered here).
Children may be slow bloomers, slow learners, dyslexic or may have
dyscalculia or other difficulties that will affect their learning, development
and performance.
Recognizing Diverse Abilities:
It is crucial to recognize that each child's journey is different and
should be celebrated for its uniqueness. Some children may have exceptional
abilities, demonstrating talents and skills beyond their peers. Others may face
disabilities that require additional support and accommodations to thrive for overall
development.
Learning and Education
Children learn in diverse ways, and it is crucial to provide a variety
of strategies to accommodate their unique learning styles. Utilizing visual
aids, hands-on activities, multisensory approaches, and alternative assessment
methods can establish an inclusive learning environment. Recognizing and
reinforcing children's strengths and interests can enhance their motivation,
engagement, and overall learning outcomes. Collaboration among educators,
parents, and professionals, including special education teachers and
therapists, is crucial to adapt educational approaches and unlock each child's
full potential.
If a child experiences specific difficulties in a particular subject,
the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) offers a selection of subjects
and alternative learning and performance options. Universities also have
special provisions for students that need to be requested well in advance.
These provisions may include the appointment of a scribe, exemption from
spelling errors, exemption from second and third language requirements, and an
additional 1/3 of the allotted time, among others.
Communication: Effective communication is essential for children to express their
thoughts, needs, and emotions. Some children may encounter challenges in verbal
communication, such as speech delays or language disorders. If identified and
deemed necessary, audiology, speech therapy, and other therapeutic
interventions provide various options to address these communication
challenges. At times, alternative communication systems, assistive technology
devices, apps, or computer options can serve as valuable tools to bridge these
gaps. Employing thoughtful and creative methods to express or re-express
information or experiences enhances children's communication opportunities. It
is important to consult children, involve them in decision-making processes,
and explain the constraints, limitations, and advantages associated with the
choices we make.
Creating ample real-time opportunities for children, appropriate to
their age, to observe and learn how we handle things or make purchasing
decisions greatly aids in their learning and communication development.
Furthermore, daily family time should allow space for children to express their
opinions, plans, reflections, or critical comments about various things,
experiences, or topics.
Socialization:
Socialization plays a crucial role in a child's development, helping
them build relationships, gain self-confidence, and develop empathy. Being part
of group settings, especially during the formative years, allows children to
learn and grow, shaping their personalities, values, and communication skills.
It's important not to confine children to the home and overly supervise their
every move, as this can hinder their development, personality, and potential.
Most children are naturally curious and eager to explore. It's beneficial to
support them on their journey, allowing them some freedom and avoiding
excessive control or restrictions. For intelligent and creative children who
crave more exploration, facilitate their experiences by taking them to
different locations, and workplaces, or introducing them to friends and
families. Monitor their activities carefully while allowing them to learn in
their own unique way.
Children often have curious minds and may inquire about how everyday
items such as paint, furniture, or bricks are made. It might not always be
practical to visit a paint factory or other distant locations, but engaging in
conversation with a chemist or someone knowledgeable in the field can provide
valuable insights for children who have a pressing and for parents who do not
have that felt need. If a child expresses interest, visiting places like a
sawmill, wood factory, brickyard, or automobile workshop can be easily
arranged.
For children with diverse abilities, creating inclusive social
opportunities is crucial. Facilitating peer interactions, promoting inclusive
play, and organizing group activities that celebrate diversity can foster a
sense of belonging and acceptance. It is essential to educate children about
differences and promote empathy and respect for one another.
The Role of Parents: Parents play a vital role in supporting their children, particularly
those with special needs. However, the level of awareness, education, and
availability of resources may differ among parents. Some parents may lack
knowledge and understanding of managing children with special needs, while
others may be well-educated and financially stable. It is important for all
parents to recognize the unique nature of their child and take the necessary
initiatives to seek, gather and provide appropriate support and services.
For instance, some parents choose to purchase numerous toys for their
children, while others face financial constraints and cannot afford any. There
are parents who invest in expensive toys and emphasize careful handling and
long-term preservation. It's worth noting that some children, regardless of
their gender, have a natural curiosity to break toys and explore their inner
workings. However, relying solely on purchasing indestructible building blocks
is not necessarily the solution. Therefore, it is crucial to make informed
decisions when buying items or services for children, considering their age
appropriateness and value for their development.
It's important to avoid discussing or commenting on a child's
toy-breaking behavior in front of guests or visitors at home. Doing so can
surprise the child and negatively impact their self-esteem and confidence.
Exposing a child's mistakes, errors, or disobedience to others does not
facilitate behavior correction; instead, it can tarnish their future prospects.
Please note that discussions on training, disciplining, and parenting are
beyond the scope of this article.
Assessment:Assessment is a critical step for parents to better understand their
child's needs before making judgments or assumptions. It is important to
recognize that most medical specialists, including psychiatrists and
psychologists, may not have comprehensive knowledge about specific learning
disabilities. For issues related to learning and education, it is advisable to
consult an educational psychologist who specializes in these areas. It is
surprising to note that many medical and clinical practitioners are often
unaware of learning disabilities in children, despite some claiming expertise
in the field. While professionals play a vital role in the assessment process,
it is crucial to remember that they too can make mistakes. Seeking second and
third opinions can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the child's
abilities and challenges, ensuring that the support provided is accurate and
effective.
Reflecting back on my own experience in the late
1990s, we encountered a specific learning issue with our son. A well-known and senior psychiatrist
in Kochi, who had written articles about Dyslexia, diagnosed him as
"typical of ADHD" (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and
recommended medication. To our dismay, a motivational speaker and teacher
suggested resorting to physical punishment by beating him below the knee to
break his will. Another discouraging response came from the founder of a
counseling institute in Kerala, who consoled us with the statement that not all
children can become engineers or doctors, completely missing the point of our
struggle, which was simply to help our son complete his schoolwork. Through
personal research, internet readings, and discussions with other doctors, we
came to the realization that he did not have ADHD, leading us to stop the
medications.
Subsequently, a pediatric friend directed us to a
psychologist in Bangalore with a Ph.D. in clinical counseling. After two days
of critical thinking, it became evident that the psychologist was taking
advantage of our situation, offering promises of guiding us to the right school
in Bangalore. Finally, at NIMHANS, Bangalore, the possibility of dyslexia was
suggested. Due to my mother's hospitalization, I could not continue with the
subsequent consultations, but I sought help from another Institute of Cognitive
Science in Trivandrum. The assessment process there involved an EEG taken by
every consultee and I refrained from an EEG. We enrolled our son in a special
learning center in Coonoor for a year, and he was successfully reintegrated
into mainstream schooling when we moved to Hyderabad. Despite not having a
certification, we joined him in an ICSC school, equipped with our learnings and
discussions with management. Nonetheless, our quest for a proper assessment
persisted.
In Hyderabad, the most renowned assessment center
was an organization run by a famous psychiatrist, which turned out to be an
unethical enterprise involving patented medicines and numerous other issues. It
was only through the guidance of a special educator that we discovered Chennai
to be the best place for a proper assessment. Eventually, in Chennai, we were
able to obtain a thorough assessment by an educational psychologist. The
certificate we received was transformative for the family, leading us to make
significant changes in our approach. After completing the 6th grade in
Hyderabad, we relocated to Chennai in 2006. However, our journey continued as
we joined a learning center that promised to guide him toward NIOS. After
spending a year and a quarter there, we decided to discontinue our association
as it did not contribute to our son's developmental progress. Undeterred, we
moved forward. In the next center, we found support from teachers, and despite
missing the 7th through 10th standards, our son was able to appear for NIOS
secondary exams in six subjects after just seven months of preparation.
Remarkably, he emerged as the only one among the 16 students from that center
to pass the exams that year.
Tailoring Support to Individual
Needs
Every child
with diverse abilities requires unique forms of support. Some children may
benefit from a specialized learning environment, while others may require
individualized attention. Certain children may need medical attention, while
others may thrive with the dedicated efforts of their parents to foster
expression, development, and confidence. Thoughtful interventions should be
employed to help children socialize, as each child's journey is distinct and
demands personalized attention.
Parental Sacrifices for Child
Development
Sometimes, parents may need to make significant sacrifices to support
the development of their child with special needs. This may involve leaving or
shifting jobs, forgoing promotions, relocations or taking risks to create a
conducive environment for their child. Parents must recognize that these
sacrifices are essential for their child's formation, development, and future
settling in life. The well-being and progress of their child should take
precedence over other concerns.
Conclusion
After 25 years, I can observe significant changes in the area of child development. There is an abundance of information and experience accessible if we actively seek it. Additionally, there exist alternative methods to accomplish our objectives, provided we are open to exploring them. Recently I heard of a mother residing in my neighborhood in Kerala. Despite her limited education and humble background, she displayed immense dedication. She diligently gathered information, forged connections with individuals who could assist her, and even stayed up late with her daughter to study for the competitive exam. As a result of her efforts, her daughter excelled in the test and rightfully secured a government seat.
Every child deserves an environment that recognizes and supports their unique abilities and challenges. By embracing inclusive practices in education, learning, communication, and socialization, we create a nurturing space where all children can thrive. As caregivers, educators, and advocates, it is our responsibility to champion the potential of every child and ensure they have the necessary tools and support to embark on their individual journeys of growth, learning, and success. Parents, in particular, play a crucial role in understanding and nurturing their child's needs, making informed decisions, and providing the necessary support and interventions for their overall development and well-being.
_________________
The author, a
development researcher and communication consultant, father of three has a son,
Joash who was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and later rightly as
typically Dyslexic. Despite this challenge, he trekked a journey of faith,
seeking and seizing opportunities for his ongoing education. After completing a
Bachelor's degree in visual communication, Joash decided to forego pursuing a
master's degree. Instead, he gained valuable knowledge through various programs
and work in the media field. Today, Joash is a co-founder of a Healthcare Tech
start-up company that has grown to a value of 100 crores, where he also leads the
departments of media and user experience.
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