Let’s start talking –
but without the word “disabled” in our vocabularies
I hate the word “disabled.” I believe that when we label a child as “disabled,” we inadvertently limit that child’s potential for independent function.
I’ve been working for over 23 years with children who have neurological disorders – kids with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, paediatric stroke or multiple sclerosis. And over these 23 years, I’ve always been grateful for the privilege of getting to know each of my young clients.
I’ve learned a lot from these children. I’ve learned how much they understand and absorb information. So when they hear their physicians, therapists, caregivers and teachers constantly referring to them as disabled, then they start thinking “If I am disabled, then why should I do anything for myself? It will all be done for me …”
This is why I decided to start this blog: to provide a place where we all can exchange experiences and information about childhood neurological disorders and discuss ways of helping children to become independent.
On this blog, I’ll be sharing ideas which may run contrary to what you think – like my belief that repetitive exercises aren’t the answer for children with neurological disorders. Instead, they should be learning the sequential series of movements needed to complete certain tasks, such as sitting up or dressing themselves. These may be instinctive for most people, but for many children with neurological disorders, these tasks need to be broken down into small movements, demonstrated and imprinted into their minds and bodies.
Through this blog, I hope to help you enable your child to function independently. Let’s get the conversation going. And remember, your child is listening and understanding – so let’s start by agreeing to erase the word “disabled” from our vocabularies.
