Blog Post #2 Karen Pavlansky

I think socialization is one of the most important objectives in any child’s life especially for a child with a disability.  They often feel isolated socially.  Sometimes it is related to the way they look, their unusual behaviors or awkward actions.  They often aren’t understood and may even seem frightening or scary.  Social skills should begin at home in the early formative years but this doesn’t always happen for a child with a disability.  Learning social skills takes time and effort.  They don’t come naturally.  Children with disabilities have the same social needs as typical developing students.  As an Early Childhood Teacher I have socialization built into my curriculum and specifically target individual’s unique social needs.  One approach I use is modeling and role-playing in a one on one setting. Next I structure small peer groups (play groups) to target the specific desired behavior. Whole group is ongoing.  It is a step-by-step progression that has to be repeated and repeated.  Utilizing peer groups and building a network of friends requires everyone involved to be educated and taught to understand. I read a lot of books to my class that helps explain special needs to children.  I had a student that had sensory issues. I read a story about how specific tools can help with sensory needs.  The kids found it fascinating and they got it.  Children's literature can be a useful resource.  Helping children with a disability build friendships is vital to their self esteem and acceptance.  It serves an enormous function that parents and adults can’t.  Teachers can help the families and caregivers too by explaining and being persistent about what specific socialization goals should be targeted.  For example, it may be as simple as basic self-care, personal hygiene and good grooming, but can make a huge difference.  Other areas a teacher could assist, would be to encourage them to get involved in extracurricular, recreational or leisure activities.  There are many local agencies like the YMCA and summer camps that can provide positive, healthy outlets for a special needs child.  These would all help in building self-esteem and relationships.  As professionals we need to start raising awareness and advocate for environmental adaptations so that all children’s social needs can be met.  When our new school was being built and the plans for the playgrounds were being developed, the teachers at our school fought to have a special swing and blacktop area put in for wheelchair bound children. It was heart warming to watch the other day on the play ground our student that is in a wheel chair,  swing and race around with his classmates laughing with joy. For two years, he sat next to the traditional playground at the old school where he was only able to watch during recess.  We can make a difference in promoting acceptance and social integration of children with disabilities by educating everyone involved including Ourselves and  by taking Action!