Irena
Wednesday, August 6, 2008

I am a professional

I have been a special education teacher for 31 years, 11 of which have focused on children on the PDD spectrum. When I was afforded the opportunity to work with children with ASD in the 1990s, I leaped at the chance to learn new information and assist with a then mysterious and little-known population. Even though my previous experience had equipped me with the basics, I had much to learn and embrace.  Fortunately, I was blessed to have learned so much from my journey.

Children with ASD and their families need and deserve love and respect, just like any other family. These children are loving, caring individuals with strengths we can benefit from, who should not be shunned or teased. As I learned to defend and advocate, I was able to spread awareness about the condition and teach others not to judge.

I learned to build children’s confidence, self-esteem, and ability to grow and learn. I learned from my high school social skills group just how mature, insightful and helpful they can be.

I learned that teachers often feel inadequate, threatened and unprepared, and therefore give up on these children and make them "the problem." I also met and encouraged some special teachers to unravel some of the mystery, thread by thread, and witnessed them loving, enjoying and growing in competence.

I learned of parents' heartaches, frustration, isolation, depression and stress, but I also saw joy, community and the ability to handle new situations with admirable strength and resolve.

I learned that most families do not give up; they accept their reality and "move on." What a testimony of resilience and strength!  I learned to to relate to the "underdog" and lift up these families. I learned that the autism community really isn't that big, but that it truly has people with the biggest hearts I've ever seen.

I learned so much from each child; far more than I’ve given them. I learned the significance of them saying, "I love you." Although I gained much in the way of knowledge, most of all I learned about LOVE.