We just went to a special needs family camp and Andrew had a rockin' time. The people who put together the camp were wonderful Christians who try their best. I did however come up against some age old assumptions. I am blogging on dealing with those with autism and a hearing impairment. I think this fits right in. I am going to put my Amy's top 10 (plus one) here and then over the next weeks elaborate on each one. If you have some 'assumptions' you'd like to add, please feel free to put them in the comments. I did not see each list item at the camp. This also contains assumptions I and others have seen elsewhere. I see this series of posts as a great way for people to learn about each other- and help those in the church, and elsewhere, work with those with special needs.
1.) Do not assume....that everyone with a hearing impairment communicates in the same language.
2) Do not assume....that autism looks a specific way.
3) Do not assume....that just because a child talks a lot that they pay attention to what you are saying.
4) Do not assume...that a hearing impaired child is a visual learner.
5) Do not assume...that an autistic child is a visual learner.
6) Do not assume...that a child who has a hearing impairment HAS to sign and do not judge those that choose not to.
7) Do not assume... that a nonverbal or low verbal child does not understand. Often they understand way more than they can express.
8) Do not assume ....that a nonverbal or low verbal child cannot read.
9) Do not assume ....that a fidgety kid is not listening.
10) Do not assume...that behavioral techniques work well with all children.
bonus... Do not assume ....that what appears as 'physical' or verbal outbursts by the child is because of bad parenting or a bratty child.
