Saturday 26 May 2012

Butterflies

Today I went to Niagara Falls and I went to the butterfly conservatory.  Seeing the butterflies reminded me about what this blog is all about.  These butterflies flew all around they came in amazing colours, and different sizes. It's like the people of the world, when we go through hard stuff we come out beautiful and we are all different and unique , we all are unique , yet some of us are more similar to others just like the butterflies can be of the same kind.   When we go through hard stuff it shows the beauty we have within us. When the catipillar goes into it's cocoon it seems like the world is over but the world is not over something beautiful is about to occur.  It's interesting the instincts that monarch butterflies fly down to Mexico, it so great instinct and a design of a creator. We like monarchs may go through hard times and long journey but God will direct our path, he has a plan for us even if we don't see it. As he directs the butterflies path he directs are own life and can turn are sorrows into blessings.

Friday 25 May 2012

Children with Special Needs are Special!!

At work, I sometimes work with a child who is basically non-verbal, I have only heard him say one word.  He uses some sign language. He has a hard time interacting with children and playing simple games.   At first it was hard for me to interact but then one of my fellow workers gave me the advice " Talk to him as if he is any other child." That's hard to do when the child does not talk back, but after spending time with him i realized he communicates in his own ways.  I felt him warming up to me, and when he would take my hand  for a minute that felt special because he was connecting even though that is really hard for him.

I have a passion for working with children with special needs, particularly working with children with Autism. I also babysit two kids one 4 and one 2 the 4 year old has high functioning Autism. It is great to work with him. I have also worked with a five year old boy with Autism in a camp situation and a five year old boy with Autism in a school situations. One summer I tutored a 12 year old boy with Autism. I have also babysat for a family with a boy with Down Syndrome and in high school worked with the Special Olympics at the school. I also had a partner through Best Buddies for one year. In high school i also tutored a girl with Asperger's and I'm happy to say she is doing well and now doing her BA in university. Some people with Asperger's (which is a high functioning form of Autism) are really smart.  I have a  teenage girl who is a friend has Autism i really enjoy talking with her!!  I talk for hours most day with a guy who I'm really close to with Asperger's and I love to get his opinion and to  run stuff by him that I read and listen to about Autism.

I find it amazing that you can learn so much from people with special needs, they are such special people and have a lot to give to this world. Don't take anyone for granted. Everyone is special. Everyone is worthwhile no matter what disability they have whether developmental , mental, or physical.  We all have a place in this world. I love working with children with special needs because I learn so much from them and they inspire me and help me to keep going despite having a bad day.  Children in general are wonderful and I love working with them. Working with children gives me joy.