Ancaster, Ont.
Jun 29, 2007
Lynda Mouriopoulos
I never thought I would feel compelled to write into “the editor.” However, after some reservation and consideration, along with some public incidences over the past years, I thought that some of the general public might need a reminder.
The reminder is patience, acceptance and even plain old tolerance when it comes to children with disabilities. Unlike physical disabilities, cognitive impairments can be difficult to recognize as they do not always wear an external guise.
As in autism, this disability comes with more than its share of unusual attributes and behaviours. Often, there are not any warning signs to alert others of the need for their unconditional understanding.
Our son is afflicted by this disabling social and communicative disorder. As parents, we are well aware of his strengths, but even more conscious of his limitations and idiosyncrasies.
Unusual behaviors
At times it is difficult to attend public events or situations, because of his quirks and somewhat unusual behaviors. Out of respect for our son and others, we take precaution in what he is exposed to and how it will affect others. If anything, after 11years, we have become specialists in this one area.
Unfortunately, however, we cannot predict all of his unusual, disruptive behaviour, as it can vary from day to day. So the next time anyone feels compelled to reprimand or chastise a child that is being supervised by his parent, please take a minute before you jump in with your sharp tongue.
You may want to consider: Is it my place to say something, how can I approach this positively or could this child have a disability of some kind?
More importantly, if you must say something, choose your words and your attitude carefully before afflicting it on parents painstakingly trying to get their child to conform to what society views as acceptable behaviour.
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