Page 106 - North State Parent March 2022

SPECIAL NEEDS NORTH STATE PARENT FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
How to Talk to Young Kids About Disabilities and Differences
By Jennifer Arnold
For many parents, the first time their child asks about or points out a per- son with a disability in public is an awkward experience. Even if the child already has someone in their life who has a visible disability or differ-
ence, they are likely to be curious about strangers. They may ask questions — of- ten loudly and bluntly.
Have an honest and age-appropriate discussion
For many preschool or kindergarten-aged kids, their first experience interact- ing with peers or adults with a disability may be in a classroom setting.They may come home with questions or stories that may be hard to answer. If a child asks about someone with a disability or difference, the best thing to do is have an hon- est and age-appropriate discussion. It’s an excellent opportunity to explain that sometimes other people may look different, but that doesn’t make them “weird” or scary.
Don’t ignore a child’s curiosity about disabilities
As tempting as it may be, the worst thing you can do at home or in public is brush off or ignore a child’s curiosity. As parents, we’ve all been there. Our child says something in public that is mortifying, and our first instinct is to run in the opposite direction.Kids can be brutally blunt sometimes, but if your child does happen to point out someone with a noticeable difference or disability in public, it’s essential to address it.
I’d rather have parents teach kids to be curious than to be afraid
As a person with a facial difference and as the mother of two kids with various disabilities, I can tell you from experience I’d rather have kids ask direct questions than point, whisper, and stare. I’d rather their parents teach them to be curious than to be afraid of someone who looks different.
Don’t ignore your child’s questions, even though you may feel embarrassed. If you feel comfortable, encourage your child to say “Hi” to the person they’re inquir- ing about. If not, a smile and a wave goes a long way and can be enough to show your child that it’s important to be kind.
Normalizing differences from a young age
One thing you can do is start a discussion with your child about disability and special needs in a positive, matter-of-fact way before they even bring it up. A great way to do this is to introduce books, television shows, or films that feature a char- acter with a disability. Normalizing differences promotes inclusion from a young age.
Using person-first language is also helpful when talking with kids. For exam- ple, Instead of saying, “autistic child,” you can say, “the child with autism.” Phrases like these can emphasize to your child that, while there are differences between them and their peers, there is also much about them that is the same. It also stress- es that a child with a disability is not defined by their diagnosis.
Modeling acceptance and inclusion is essential
The most important way to teach a child acceptance of differences is to mod- el it. Since children tend to follow what parents do, it’s crucial that your actions send the right message. If you have a negative attitude towards someone, so will they.
It’s ok to point out similarities that your child and a disabled peer may share, but don’t try to convince them that someone with a disability is just like they are. Instead, acknowledge the differences and clarify that there is nothing wrong or bad about them.
Celebrate and value diversity
Allowing children to learn and appreciate that we all have similarities and dif- ferences is a great way to show them that everyone has unique gifts and abilities. Diversity should be celebrated and valued.
Special Olympics Northern California. Of- fers free sports training for anyone diagnosed with intellectual disabilities ages 5 & up. Competitions for ages 8 & up. Call for county info. sonc.org. (925) 944-8801.
The Autism Society. The nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, increasing public awareness, advocating for appropriate services & providing the latest treatment information. Also hosts a national autism con- ference. autism-society.org. (800) 328-8476. Wings of Eagles; the Joseph Alvarez Organi- zation for Seriously Ill Children is dedicated
to helping & financially assisting families with seriously ill children in Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Tehama, Sutter, & Yuba Counties. “Wings of Eagles” was founded in memory of Joseph Al- varez in June of 1993, who died of a very rare and terminal form of leukemia a month be- fore his tenth birthday. “Wings of Eagles” will be celebrating 30 years of service to the com- munity in 2022. “Wings” has helped hundreds of families that have seriously ill children over the years with their out-of-pocket expenses, including gas, food, & lodging. “Wings of Eagles” Hospital Care Kit program provides families with the much needed supplies they will need for an extended hospital stay. These Hospital Care Kits are donated to “Wings of Eagles” families and local area hospitals. wing- sofeagles.org or call (530) 893-9231. Wondermoms. A project by three moms to share real talk, helpful information, and prac- tical advice with parents of kids who have special needs. Includes a blog, resources, and many helpful tips and advice for navigating parenting children with special needs. won- dermoms.org.
BUTTE COUNTY
ARC of Butte County; Chico. Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties, ARC assists people with developmental disabilities to choose & realize their goals. Family support groups in English & Spanish. arcbutte.org. 2030 Park Ave. (530) 891-5865.
CSU, Chico Autism Clinic. Year-round pro- gram promotes the sensory, motor, commu- nicative & cognitive skills of children with developmental disorders. Allows children to experience the sensory & motor input they are seeking in order to balance their nervous systems so they may focus on learning other skills. Sliding scale available. Search “autism clinic” at csuchico.edu. (530) 898-6373 or (530) 898-6324.
Chico Children’s Museum. A place where children can learn and connect through play. Offers several interactive exhibits such as a dentist office, vet’s office, and cafe. There is also a sensory room for children to explore. chicochildrensmuseum.org. 325 Main Street. (530) 809.1492.
Chico Christian Preschool. An outreach ministry of Neighborhood Church of Chico. Ages 6wks-6yrs. Enrichment classes and inclusion program for children with special needs. chicochristianpreschool.org. 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. (530) 879-8988. tamar- awanink@ncchico.org
Chico Down Syndrome Connection. Meets at the Arc Pavilion located at 2020 Park Avenue. 5:30-6:30pm is a time for dinner and socializing. 6:30-8pm respite childcare workers are provided by The Arc and the parents meet in a private room to welcome new families, offer support, and discuss wants and needs within the group, and any
topics brought to the table relevant to Down syndrome. Search “Chico Down Syndrome Connection” on Facebook. chicodsc21@ gmail. (530) 413-8833. Please call for updated info as this group is currently on hold due to COVID.
Do-It Leisure; Chico. Recreation & empow- erment agency for individuals ages 18 & up with developmental disabilities. Individual- ized programs & sports programs for all skill levels. Summer camps, independent living skills program, group socializing & recreation program (by referral). wtcinc.org/programs/ do-it-leisure. 2233 Fair St. (530) 343-7994. Family First Solutions; Chico. Behavior ser- vices (ABA) throughout the North State area. familyfirstsolution.com. 55 Declaration Drive, Suite B. (530) 487-7265.
Innovative Preschool, Inc.; Chico. An integrated preschool program serving typically developing children & children with special needs. Unique structure emphasizes social-emotional learning through play. in- novativepreschool.org. 1560 Manzanita Ave. (530) 343-2028.
Little Red Hen LifeSpan Center; Chico. Nonprofit organization offers year-round socialization training programs for children, teens & young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Unique programs teach children skills needed to successfully integrate into the community. Targets communication, play skills, group participation & positive peer interactions. Provides sensory exploration & behavioral support in a fun & engaging envi- ronment. autismlifespan.org. 2418 Cohasset Rd., Ste. 150. (530) 897-0900.
Not Your Garden Variety Theatre Com- pany; Chico. Geared for children & teens with autism, running as a 6-week summer program, helping ages 4-17 learn new ways to express & interpret emotions, build friend- ships & strengthen group participation skills. Run by Little Red Hen. autismlifespan.org. (530) 897-0900.
The Lifespan Center Store; Chico. Items & toys that assist in developing pretend play skills, social & language skills, sensory & fine motor skills for children ages 4-12. Also offers awareness merchandise. Open during Little Red Hen’s Children’s Programs & Autism Lifespan’s office hrs. autismlifespan.org. 2418 Cohasset Rd., Ste. 150. (530) 897-0900.
Work Training Center; Chico. Programs
in Chico, Oroville & Paradise. Dedicated to meeting the training, vocational & recreation- al needs of people ages 18 & up with disabili- ties. Day programs (transportation assistance available), community employment services & more. wtcinc.org. (530) 343-7994.
SHASTA & TEHAMA COUNTIES
Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angels. Redding. Organization is committed to aiding families who have children suffering with pediatric cancer or life threatening illness by providing unique support including groceries, gas, bills and other support. aawoa.com. (530) 378-2373. Connections ABA. Redding. Provides behavioral services and early intervention for children 0 – 10 years of age with a di- agnosis of ASD. 2526 Goodwater Avenue. (530) 226-8255. connectionsaba.net. Mountain Valley Special Education JPA. Redding. A consortium of small school districts in Shasta County striving to provide
106 North State Parent Family Resource Guide Spring/Summer 2022 • www.northstateparent.com