What are some reasons that people choose not to communicate with children with disabilities?

Question

What are some reasons that people choose not to communicate with children with disabilities?

Answer 1

I work in a classroom of students with special needs, and we do the inclusion program.  It is interesting to observe the communication of students with special needs and  the "regular" 8th grade students.

1.  Many of the "reg" students give up the conversation because it is not always a 2 way situation.  Depending on the needs of the child, the students feel as if they are talking to themselves, so they give up trying to pull information.  (then as adults this is the only experience they can remember)

2.  I have found that most "reg" students baby talk to kids with down syndrome or other forms of mental retardation.  They feel as if they are "younger" and not a true peer.  They don't share common interests so eventually you don't have conversations with these people who are different.  (again a learned experience)

3.  Often when speaking to children with special needs you find yourself repeating yourself, rephrasing, and it can be a frustrating situation when there is little feedback.  

COmmunication is supposed to be two way, and unfortunately we have a society of people who are not patient or skilled to communicate with individuals who need more time to process and actually communicate.  (personally, i blame technology)  We have a society of "regular people" that don't communicate well with each other.

I also believe there is that fear of saying the wrong thing.  Is it ok to ask about a wheel chair and how much information can we ask about a person without offending them?  

I have a student that had heart surgury a month ago, when he came back, the kids didn't know what to say.  He couldn't go out to recess and NO ONE offered to stay inside with him and play games.  I think there was a fear of what would happen if they were with this kid and all of a sudden he started turning blue, or fell out of his wheel chair. or whatever.

Answer 2

I agree with some of the answers about people not thinking that person is capable of understanding communication. It is hard for me because I have a son who does not understand alot of what is said to him yet does awesome with a program called PECS (its a picture program). He uses this is school and they have seen a great difference in him. It is difficult for the person with the disability to be treated that way and its aweful that people treat disabled people this way.

Answer 3

Lack of education and understanding. Some times it is embarrassment on who or what to say. And sad but true , some are just scared.

Answer 4

Some people assume that the child is not capable of understanding or communicating with them.  I wish people would take the time to "see" the child for who they are inside, and not for their disability.  I have a son with "disabilities".  To me, he is perfect and the most wonderful little boy!  I am trully blessed to be his mom!  I just wish others, such as teachers and other parents could see the wonderful and smart little boy he really is.