Access to education is the very basic right of every child. However, when it comes to children with special needs, this right is often neglected. A lot of people assume that children with special needs would not be able to build a good future for themselves or achieve success in life. But this is not the reality. Several people who were diagnosed with a health issue proved to do wonders in an array of fields like fashion, technology, education, etc. Wayne Brady (Entertainer and Comic), Judy Garland Ernest Hemingway, Isaac Newton, and Robert Schumann are some of the renowned personalities who were diagnosed with a mental health disability. Yet these personalities gained great name and fame in their respective fields.
With a structured education plan that is imparted by experienced professionals, kids with special needs can also become successful in life. It encourages the optimal development of the child as a purposeful, free and skillful person who is competent enough to manage their life to the maximum of their potential. A structured special education imparted to special children ensures that they get the same opportunities as other children to build a meaningful and purposeful life for themselves. Here are a few more factors that throw light on the role of special education in supporting a child’s learning.
- Makes them a well-rounded individual
Special education doesn’t only focus on offering academic knowledge to a child, but its horizons widen up to offering the necessary skills, values, and building capabilities that together shape a child into a well-rounded individual. Be it any child, special or other’s getting education is thus very important for life success.
- Use multi-sensory strategies
Ensure that your child’s special education includes the use of multisensory strategies rather than just academic learning. It is crucial to develop every concept or lesson multi-sensory to its maximum potential. Children with disabilities may struggle in one area but do well in another. For instance, some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have great coding skills.
For this, a special needs child, both auditory and visual cues can be used. Create situations and opportunities that offer a tactile (sensations that are felt or received through physical touch) experience to the child. For this, you can use physical simulations like touch when the child is inattentive or distracted. Also, the more creative lesson plans are, the easier it would be to keep the child hooked or interested. This will eventually improve his/her learning.
- Special education teaches the child crucial life skills
Special education plan comprises of teaching life skills that are crucial for the child’s day-to-day existence. Basis activities like maintaining personal hygiene, proper dressing, making day-to-day decisions, handling money, ensuring safety, are some of the life-skills that are included in the special education plan. Learning these skills develops self-sufficiency and makes them fit to live an independent life.
- Aids socialization
Some children find it hard to socialize or communicate their thoughts and needs with others. This is a common symptom found in those diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder.) Imparting special education ensures the inclusion of the child regularly with their peers. This not only encourages academic progress but facilitates socialization skills in the child.
- Modifies behaviour
Children with special needs may exhibit actions or behaviours that are believed to be disruptive, offensive, or objectionable in society. Say, for example, a child with special needs may randomly exhibit overly-aggressive behaviours. Such behaviours need to be modified as soon as possible, and special education aids in it. It helps develop tolerance and understanding in the child, further helping in modifying inappropriate behaviour.
- Paves way for a bright future
As mentioned earlier, kids with special needs may have great talents hidden in them. From coders, painters, singers, scientists, instrumentalists, to chefs, special needs children have done and are doing great in their respective areas of interest. Getting special education helps them find their talent and brush-it-up. In fact, there are a number of restaurants, bakery shops, hotels, that specially hire those with special needs as employees. Getting special education serves as basic criteria for getting hired at a job.
Here is how special education plays a crucial role in supporting your child’s learning and shaping a good future for them. So, look for a good school or educational institute for your child and get him/her admitted. Your child’s learning pathways may be a little different from others and you may sometimes feel frustrated or overwhelmed. However, remember that your child is worth every extra effort you put in to nurture them in their growing years.
Also, you needn’t do it alone as there are several people whom you can approach for help. Find a good child psychologist who would work on your child’s problem areas. A child psychologist can also suggest a few good educational institutes that offer special education. With structured planning, patience, and combined efforts of you, child psychologist and school, your child can reach their maximum potential.