I am volunteering with special needs children tomorrow...any advice please?

Question

I have never worked with special needs kids before, is there any thing I should keep in mind as a general rule?

Answer 1

As a rule when you don't know the kids-don't sit too close to them - some have a tendancy to hit or spit. Also some get really huggy/feely with each other and they will try to be this way with you- do not allow it. Some may be unstable emotionally and crying and laughing ,screaming is not uncommon. Some may have vision/hearing problems and be aware of those. Some may have mental processing problems. But they are great and wonderful at times and those are the times you should cherish.

Answer 2

My 10yr old daughter is special needs.  However I do not think she is special but i do think those who choose to join the profession are very special.  Special needs children are extremely hard work and very demanding in all aspects of their lives.  You will learn to care for these children by watching, asking questions and not being afraid of getting it wrong. No matter what the needs are children love fun and laughter and so long as you can provide that you will do very well.  I hope you enjoy this and find it rewarding.

Answer 3

Be PATIENT.

It's like working with young children  that aren't special needs...sometimes it may get frustrating..but be patient, and don't TREAT them like special needs kinds..if you show them respect as people, they will do the same.

Answer 4

In general, the thing you need to remember that special needs kids are more like your typical kid than unlike them!  Not knowing what kind of special needs kids you are talking about--deaf, blind, mentally, physically, or emotionally handicapped, it's hard to say much more.  But, if you are enjoying yourself with them, they will enjoy the time, as well.

If the kids are mentally challenged, just set your play or interaction at a lower developmental stage.  Know that their reasoning, vocabulary etc, will be commensurate with their

mental age.  They are, however, a delightful group to be with.  There is no pretense and they are very open and loving.

Good luck!  I was in special education for over 30 years and loved it.

Answer 5

Enjoy it. The challenges and the fun. Laugh a lot. But keep your eyes wide open and your brain alert!

Answer 6

Observe and ask questions. Keep an open mind and try not to judge on the basis of what is your perception of the norm.

Try to see the world from the perspective of the individual, that is likely to help you make sense of their responses and reactions.

Leave your pity at home, it is hard to respect someone if you pity them!

Most of all, enjoy the opportunity to learn with them.

Answer 7

be patient

Answer 8

above all i would say this: they may have special needs but they still have feelings and may understand more than they can tell you.  so follow these and you should have an excellent time:

1) talk to them. even if they cant answer you chat to them and talk to them as you would any other child. if they are painting for example say things like.. wow, thats a lovely painting. you have used lots of colours. i like the red best, which is your favourite colour? look at them and give them time to answer they may point to a colour or just smile. or may not do anything at all but carry on chatting.

2) help them as much as possible to join in with everything. you maybe limited on what you are allowed to do with them if you havent worked with them before, however do as much as you can.

3) be patient, if you know they can talk but they dont respond to you straight away give them time to answer you. they may have difficulty talking. they maybe shy and not like new people or be autistic, in which case it can take a while for them to adjust to someone new. if they are autistic, dont push things. if they walk away leave them, many need to see you around for a few weeks before they feel ready to interact with you.

4)  be calm. situations may arise when the general calm is broken. a child may go on the trampage and try to demolish everything in sight. or they may have screaming sessions. but stay calm and try to appear unphased.

5) be yourself! it can be daunting working with children with special needs for the first time, but give it a while and it is the most rewarding thing you can do. when you see their progress (no matter how small it is) it makes everything you do worthwhile!

i miss working with these kids, some of my best memories are with them. it can be hard going and its not for everyone but give it all you have got, being willing to join in and dont be afraid of them. they want to be able to do things like other kids can and they need your help to do it. they arent monsters and if they do hurt you it will be unintentional. there is nothing to be scared of they are simply children. remember that and you wont go far wrong....enjoy it! im jealous i would love to be back with them x

Answer 9

I am a teacher at a therapeutic school for children K-8.  The kids in my school have special needs and behavior issues.  It is important to prepare these kids for transitions.  Transition times tend to stress them out and that is when they act out.  Rather than telling them what to do...ask them what they should do.  For example: We are going to the playground what if someone does not want to play your game?  What do you do?  This allows the child to have some control and makes him think.  You will be surprised at their answers.

So, one rule of thumb ask them rather than telling them things!

Good luck!

Answer 10

My little sister is disable, They like everything they ask for put it that way lol.

Nah, just be nice. Observe there personality see what they like and what they don't lik agree with them on things and have a friendly chat to them on what they like doing.

Answer 11

Treat them like human beings, remember that they have abilities as well as disabilities... and if you don't understand what they're saying, don't be embarrassed to say so - there's nothing worse than someone nodding and pretending  to agree with you when you know perfectly well that they have no idea what you're talking about.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll do just fine  ;-)

Answer 12

be age appropriate with them-

don't assume a severe needs teenager should be talked to liek a toddler...

Answer 13

be firm but patient

Answer 14

By asking this question you have shown that you care. Don't think you need further advice.

Answer 15

i agree about being patient. keep your sense of humour.dont talk down to them.you will really enjoy it.

Answer 16

Don't let them scare you, sometimes they can freak newbies out a little. just remember that they can't help it and they aren't trying to scare you. God Bless.

Answer 17

that's good i have worked with many young people with disabilities it can be very rewarding.listen to what they say bould a rapure up with them.dont be frightened in any way just act natural and soon you will be there best friend

Answer 18

Be patient, gentle but firm.

Good luck!

Answer 19

As well as all those repect and remembering they are still children answers some other practical suggestions I found:

-Wear hair tied back

-Long sleeves (atleast till u know the children eg: which are scratches, which are skin lovers!)

-Flat comfortable shoes-may be lots of running!!!

-Dont wear dangling jewellery-sparkly and long things are just asking for trouble :)

-Ask lots of questions to the staff there-they will know each child inside out and be able to help you.

-Dont do anything you arent comfy with.

-Ask if u can watch proceedures eg: use of the speciliast equipment, physio sessions, medication (feeding tubes) as it really makes you feel better once you've seen these things!

Good luck and have fun!!!