I read somewhere - "If you Google search the definition of “differently-abled,” the immediate result is a one-word answer: disabled. Nothing more, nothing less. One simple explanation."
It has been 3 yrs 8 months, since we found that our son was specially abled.
Specially abled.. not differently abled.
Life had shifted so drastically after that, it has turned us around as humans. We started reading hectically trying to understand, what can be done.
So many suggestions, so much confusion.
While every one talks of shades of grey, when it comes to the matters of the brain (or heart for that matter), people prefer a simple binary response.
Is your child normal? Yes or No.
I always ask, define normal... There is so much different character is every child, that there is no one type that fits all.
The Brain, as we understand now, and its growth is a multi-dimensional structure. Growth has many parameters - motor skills, cognitive behaviour, social interactions, verbal skills, communication skills, and a whole lot more.
However, this understanding and empathy towards same is strangely absent in the present world. Whenever they see a special child, the look is of pity/disgust/irritation.
Not many people try to observe the struggle the parents go through, their frustrations, their fight to retain sanity and to compete and perform in the world, when their inner worlds are crumbling. Working on rebuilding their confidence and hope every day, day after day.
Submerge their own frustrations and yearning when they see other kids play and interact with others, hold sparkling conversations with adults or sing/showcase their talents.
Or hold their anger, when some condescending words get thrown at them by strangers and relatives alike.
