How to Treat Children and teens with special needs
Are you around special needs children or teens at work or at home? Then perhaps you are not sure how to treat them or talk to them. This article will help get you started on the path to healthy behavior and interactions around them.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Special needs children and teens have feelings like everyone else. Depending upon what the need or disability is, you may have to adjust your tone of voice and volume. You also may have to adjust and monitor activity levels.
-
2
Never single out a person just because of their handicap, disability or need. Each of us is unique and different. Doing this can actually build up walls between the child and yourself.
-
-
3
Have them meet with other kids and teens with similar challenges. This can make them feel not so alone and ostracized. Include them in groups such as support, therapy, social and sports groups.
-
4
Never take advantage of an individual with special needs. Realize they will not have the judgment and insight that you do. Instead, protect and look out for their needs, even advocate for them if you are given the opportunity.
-
5
Balance independence with supervision. No one likes to have another person around 24/7, so give them some space and a chance to do tasks for themselves, even if it takes a few tries or a long time to learn.
-
6
Give the teen or child your full attention and make eye contact when they are speaking. Reflect back on what they are saying. This is called active listening. Give empathy and understanding, if needed. They may just want you to listen and not necessarily solve their problem.
-
7
Include fun sprinkled in with humor when you interact with a special needs kid. Try to "read" them and use your best judgment as to when they are being funny and silly and when they are trying to be serious but not expressing this the way you might.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Have teens get involved in peer mentoring groups to teach them life and job skills, if possible.
Adjust your interactions according to the special needs of the individuals, as they can vary greatly.
Never pick on, exploit or mistreat an individual with special needs.
