As for changing the subject, I have started to realize that I haven't mentioned on here what I actually do for a living. For starters, I received my B.A. in Psychology with a focus in Child Development. Right now, I am a developmental therapist for children with special needs and absolutely love what I do. Kids are such a joy to work with and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child do something that he or she was not capable of doing before. You practically share a moment with the parent, and have never even come close to raising the child. It truly is magical. However, the pay and hours are limited due to the recent change in health care policies and how it is affecting my company. Most people have the opposite issue where they hate their job, but make decent money. It's funny how money really makes the world go 'round...
In all seriousness, I have found through my job that special needs children are filled with so much love that it makes all of the difficulty of their setbacks worth it. While it can be frustrating not being able to verbally understand them, having to speak simply to communicate with them, or attempting to control their erratic behavior, I have discovered that they still have incredibly warm hearts, and are the most grateful group of people I know. Many people find them sad or easy to ridicule when they encounter a special needs child, but it takes more exposure to realize just how wonderful they have it.
For example, while we all realize that they will not lead a 'normal' life by any means, it does not mean it isn't ideal in their eyes. In special education schools, they get to do fun activities, watch movies, play games, and go on field trips on almost a daily basis. Their every need is catered to and every child receives that special attention. When competing in sporting events or creativity contests, every child is praised for their accomplishments. Any effort the child makes is seen as a wonderful thing, and they all feel like winners. All of the people they regularly interact with are very courteous and nice to them, and make them feel great about being who they are.
In the real world, all of these things are expected to be done when we are very young, and at a certain point, are no longer praised for. Even if a person does something they could not do before, rarely is their achievement pointed out. There is a competition for everything, and only one person wins. People stereotype and judge one another constantly, as well as are exposed to unfriendly people in all kinds of situations.
Special needs children do not criticize others, no matter what disability they may or may not have. Just waving to them can make them the happiest person throughout the day, and every bite of food or favorite crayon given to them is just as amazing as the last. These children make the best of everything they receive, no matter the circumstance.
While I do know that there is a percentage of people who make fun and look down upon people with these kinds of disabilities, usually, the child is completely unaware and couldn't care less. I am aware of instances where physical altercations come from this prejudice of different people, but know that the next day, that person will not even care nor dwell on what happened like someone with a completely functional mind. It is still not easy living an abnormal life like these children, but they do not know it any different and see things so much more positively than a person in normal society. Their stress levels stay at a minimum.
So, that being said, take a step back and don't find me heroic or admirable for doing what I do as a career, but find me lucky. These children were born with deep love in their hearts and not a care in the world, and I swear they are rubbing off on me.
Parents, hug your child, no matter what condition they are in - and others - next time you see a special needs child, just give them a smile. You never know; it just might make their day.