Posted by Rosie Reeves on March 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment
The other day my three children and I got into a discussion about special needs kids. They all go to a charter school with a mission statement of inclusion, and many special needs students are enrolled there. There are “paras” in each class – paraprofessionals who assist these special students. Each class has space for three special needs children. My 6-year-old son commented that his kindergarten class only has two of these kids.
I was shocked. His class does have three special needs kids – the third one is his twin sister! I told him this gently, not wanting to make a big deal about it. But he argued with me, saying that his sister didn’t need any help like that. The other two students in his class can have extreme behavior even though they have completely different conditions.
Since they are twins my son came along to every therapy session, doctor’s appointment, assessment and specialist. He was right there beside her for the entire journey – special equipment, toys, bottles, shoes and more. People came in and out of our house to work with her. We went to an inclusion mommy and me program and preschool. But he doesn’t remember most of it since he was a baby. As he got older, I guess he didn’t question it. I know he and his older brother get a little jealous because the rules are sometimes different for her, but for the most part she is just their sister.
For more on siblings of special needs kids:
- Check out the book by Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter at Amazon.com
- Here is a great article from the University of Michigan on Siblings of Special Need Kids
- Article from New York Times 2006
- Also, most Counseling centers and Regional Centers have support groups for siblings
If you have a special needs child have you dealt with situations like this?
