So I've had such a fantastic summer working with children who have additional support needs. Many funny moments but also a few occasions where I wanted to tear my hair out-all part of the job I suppose!
Having spent so much time with children who people often write off almost immediately, I saw just how much they have to offer to the world with their range of abilities and talents. I became frustrated countless times when members of the public called children "naughty" or looked at them as if they had 3 heads. This made me realise just how little awareness and acceptance is out there for them and that is sad to see.
I learnt so much from the children about what type of communication works best for each individual child and how they express their needs and frustrations with the outside world. It was an incredible opportunity and I look forward to working with them in the future!
One of the funniest moments of the summer was when I was on a 1:1 with a child and we were bumping down the stairs (which was a favourite activity) when a whole crowd of (mainly) handsome men were watching us looking fairly bemused as they needed up the stairs. The child carried on as normal and did the usual chirpy "hello!" to everyone as they passed us by!
Hopefully these posts will be more regular from now on!
