Friday, June 26, 2009

Assumptions - Top 10 List.


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.

7 comments:

Autismland Penny said...

Amen, Amy!!! I especially love the one about the verbal child! Hugs to you and I think I may blog that one sometime next week! We had some assumption problems at camp too! BUT GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

lbre969903 said...

6) Do not assume...that a child who has a hearing impairment HAS to sign and do not judge those that choose not to.

This is my favorite!!

Leslie, Arlin and Katie Kauffman said...

Hi! You left a comment on our blog concerning our post on PANDAS. If you have more information on this that you could share, that would be great! You can email me at lakcharge@gmail.com. Thanks!

Martha said...

Amen! Lets break all the assumptions, they're more damaging than productive.

Thank you for your comment, I had no idea Deaf Village accepted my blog application. What a blessing! I had to check it out and I giggled with glee when I saw my blog on the front page :) I should talk about my deafness a little bit more, it's not something to shy away from. It's time to be proud!

I'll be following this amazing blog <3

walking said...

GREAT LIST!!!

The behavioral one especially hits me. I actually had a nightmare one night about someone treating Pamela behaviorally and I was so angry at the person for their presumption!

Beth in NC said...

Hi Amy! Thanks for the follow! I look forward to chatting with you!

Love,
Beth

SHANNA said...

i LOVE your bonus assumption!! i am shanna boot, i met jennifer cooper at the bowling alley and she passed me your info! i am just now getting through to my family that my 8 year old is not the same as my other 4 children. he has developmental delays and a cochlear implant. because of this and other reasons, it is difficult to handle him in a normal situation! i am constantly hearing "you better get him under control". well that's great advice, but i wish i knew the secret to HOW! thanks for your blog. it is very informative.

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