Children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3). Every child deserves to be loved, protected, and cared for, as they are the world’s future generations and treasures in families and society. In childcare and parenting, love and patience play an integral part in a child’s development. The same is true when caring for children with special needs. In fact, the growth and development of special needs children depend heavily on the love and support they receive from their community and loved ones. Oftentimes, however, people do not know how to demonstrate love and patience when interacting with special needs children.
In this article, we will share insights from special needs educator Sister Melinda Duncan of the First Assembly of God Wortmanville Diaspora Ministry and Elder Deborah Huston of First Assembly of God, Parfaite Harmonie outstation and District Education Officer (DEO) of Guyana on the fundamentals of caring for children with special needs, and how parents and the church community can support their growth and development.
Understanding Special Needs
The first step to supporting special needs children, whether at home, school, or church, is education. According to Elder Hutson, a special needs child requires special attention and specific necessities that other children do not. The term in itself, she explained, is general in nature and refers to any behavioral, physical, emotional, or learning difficulties that require specialised accommodation.
“Recognising children with ‘special needs’ depends largely on the type of [special] needs and its severity,” she posited. While a physical disability such as blindness or deafness is apparent, a learning disability such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Autism, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not necessarily visible. However, many early warning signs may indicate a child’s learning disability or developmental delay.
Signs and Indicators
Special Needs Educator Melinda Duncan highlighted some early signs of cognitive and communication red flags one can look for: the child does not make eye contact and does not reach for or explore toys between three (3) to nine (9) months old; has extremely short attention span, is easily distracted or unable to retain information and communicate needs and wants at twelve (12) months old; does not talk at eighteen (18) months; or has a stutter or lacks fluency in speech after four (4) years.
Elder Hutson said children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, forgetful, and show hyperactivity and impulsivity. The symptoms present as short attention span, inattention to details, and seemingly careless mistakes in school work. The child may have challenges with processing instructions and completing tasks. They may also have difficulty organising tasks and easily misplace items such as toys, school assignments, or school supplies.
What can parents do?
Parents are the first people to interact with children, and as such, they are the first ones to spot the early signs. Their care and support can make a big difference in their children’s lives. Mrs. Deborah Hutson explained that the first step of support parents could give to their child is to embrace the big picture and avoid focusing on the disability of the child. She added that though all children need love, encouragement, and support, such positive reinforcement can ensure Special Needs children emerge with a strong sense of worth, confidence, and determination to keep growing. She also suggested the following key measures to parents of a child with special needs:
- Be your own expert. Do your own research and keep abreast with any new developments relating to your child’s learning disability.
- Focus your energies on learning what works for your child and implement it the best way you can. Also, identify your child’s primary learning style and utilise the same.
- Be a proactive parent. Work on your communication skills, and be an advocate for your child by speaking up. Do not live in denial.
- Keep things in perspective. A learning disability is not insurmountable.
- Remember, as a parent, your approach to the learning disability will make a massive difference in your child’s life. For example, if you approach with optimism, hard work, and a sense of humor, your child will likely embrace your perspective or at least see the challenge as a speed bump rather than a roadblock.
How can the church help?
The church, since time immemorial, has been a haven for children. Jesus himself said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Similarly, DEO Huston believes that child development from the church’s perspective should be to help children grow like Jesus did and teach and demonstrate the truth about their worth and potential as they are made in the image and likeness of God.
Both educators agree that First Assembly of God Wortmanville church can incorporate measures to accommodate and positively impact the lives of Special Needs Children, particularly in the Sunday Schools and Children’s Church Ministries. These measures include:
- Providing Special Needs Education for Sunday School Teachers and Children Church Workers.
- Enhancing the physical learning space in the Sunday School and Children’s Church environment to cater to the typical/average and Special Needs Children. For example, providing ramps, laying out seating arrangements with adequate spacing, etc.
- Ensuring the method used to teach Bible lessons caters to children with special needs, whether it’s language difficulties or audio/visual challenges. Teaching methods can also include sign language.
- Having a point person who is trained to handle situations if they arise.
- Providing emotional and navigational support to enable parents with special needs children to know where to access information, support, and therapies they may require.
The statistics of children living with disability in Latin America and the Caribbean is said to be approximately 19.1 million, according to UNICEF’s children with disability 2021 report. But we can indeed participate in supporting the Special Needs children in our homes, schools, and church communities by extending the love and care they need to become the best versions of themselves. Let us endeavour to demonstrate love and patience to this group of children in our communities. God expects us to love people as He first loved us.
Excellent piece!