Children who meet classmates or friends who have special needs may be initially confused or may not know how to act as they may never have met anyone with special needs before. You can help your child learn how to to develop the friendship and make sure that your child treats children with special needs in a positive way by talking to him about how to be a great friend.
Explain the difference:
You shouldn’t assume that your child will see the difference between herself and her friend with special needs. Ensure that you explain the differences in an objective and age appropriate way.
Focus on:
Explain the difference:
You shouldn’t assume that your child will see the difference between herself and her friend with special needs. Ensure that you explain the differences in an objective and age appropriate way.
Focus on:
- How no two people are the same, everyone is different including children with special needs.
- Don't just tell your child about their disability, rather focus on what special needs the child might have.
- What talents the child with special needs has.
- Give an honest answer, regardless of how difficult a question might be.
Teach your child to be the best friend they can be
You should encourage your child, as much as possible; to interact with children who have special needs in the same way they would any of their other friends. You can also help your child to have a better understanding by:
- Letting them know that they may need to be extra patient, more accommodating and (depending upon the nature of the special needs) more willing to explain things.
- Make sure to let them know it's ok to get frustrated, just like they get frustrated with other friends or family members.
- Explain to them that sometime teachers and parents will need to spend longer with a child with special needs and they may receive more attention.
Bullying
Children with special needs often experience bullying. Explain to your child about ways to cope with bullying, if either they or their friend is bullied. This is another way to make sure that any child with special needs will be included and treated in a positive, special way.
Children with special needs often experience bullying. Explain to your child about ways to cope with bullying, if either they or their friend is bullied. This is another way to make sure that any child with special needs will be included and treated in a positive, special way.
Create opportunities
Friendships between children with special needs and non-disabled children can face challenges but they can also be especially rewarding. Focus on activities that both children can do together in order to foster an environment that promotes friendship.
Friendships between children with special needs and non-disabled children can face challenges but they can also be especially rewarding. Focus on activities that both children can do together in order to foster an environment that promotes friendship.
