Nurturing Children with Diverse Abilities

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.

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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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