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What is it like to work with special needs children and how do I deal with it?
I am interested in considering the idea of working with youth who have special needs. But I don't interact with children very often so I only really know how people around my age with special needs, such as autism, act. I'm aware that because they are children, their temper and behavioral decisions are going to be different, but I would like to know how I should react in this kind of situation.
Also, since it is an emotionally and mentally demanding job, how do I manage my own frustrations and stress by myself when it feels like things are too much?
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5 answers
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Katherine,
Working with special needs children can be rewarding and challenging. It involves providing individualized support, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and enhancing their learning and life skills. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential. Dealing with it involves continuous learning about specific needs, collaborating with parents and other professionals, and employing creative teaching strategies to address different learning styles. Regular self-care and stress management techniques are also important to maintain your well-being.
Working with special needs children can be rewarding and challenging. It involves providing individualized support, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and enhancing their learning and life skills. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential. Dealing with it involves continuous learning about specific needs, collaborating with parents and other professionals, and employing creative teaching strategies to address different learning styles. Regular self-care and stress management techniques are also important to maintain your well-being.
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Good morning Miss Katherine,
I've spent 40 years working in special education classrooms with students. I think I have a pretty good idea, because I worked with many different kinds of special needs children. I started out with the severely mentally handicapped students, then some higher functioning mentally handicap students, and some behavior disability students, and learning disabled students. I've had students that looked perfectly normal, and some that we're very physically deformed in wheelchairs. So I think I've had a wide range of students that had special needs. I'm telling you this because you might want to pick an area that you would like to work with, but you may have other students in your class that have different needs. You will most likely have ongoing training and education. I had over 100 college hours of additional college training in many different areas of the special education field. I've taught everything from music to math, and basic daily living skills to on-the-job training in the community.
I truly loved my students, for the most part. Some of my students were mentally ill, and needed much more support than I what I was able to give them. I absolutely hated the paperwork. There is so much district, state, and federal paperwork that needs to be filled out with every single student, every single day. This is not a nine to five job.
I became interested in this field when I was in grade school. I volunteered to work with the local park district. I learned a lot from that job. You have to be flexible, you have to have an understanding of what each disability is like, and you need to set clear boundaries and expectations. You need to be very flexible as well. Sometimes you have to make up your own plan. Need to be smart and you need to be creative. Sometimes the simplest things work, sometimes you need to come up with a whole new vision.
You have to be excited about what you are doing, because your student will be excited when they see you. My students wanted to come to school every single day of the week including weekends. They loved coming to see me because they never knew what was going to happen, but it would be something fun. School is supposed to be fun.
It's wonderful that you want to work with this population, but it's a very diverse group. You might want to pick a specialty, but be prepared for anything. It's also a high burnout area. I certainly was an exception. You might want to get your feet wet by getting some experience with special needs children. Park districts and special olympics, are two areas to explore. Your own School should have special needs classes somewhere in the building. Ask teachers if you can help out during your lunch, or homeroom, or study period.
I apologize for any grammatical errors as I am not using spell check. Have a great day!
I've spent 40 years working in special education classrooms with students. I think I have a pretty good idea, because I worked with many different kinds of special needs children. I started out with the severely mentally handicapped students, then some higher functioning mentally handicap students, and some behavior disability students, and learning disabled students. I've had students that looked perfectly normal, and some that we're very physically deformed in wheelchairs. So I think I've had a wide range of students that had special needs. I'm telling you this because you might want to pick an area that you would like to work with, but you may have other students in your class that have different needs. You will most likely have ongoing training and education. I had over 100 college hours of additional college training in many different areas of the special education field. I've taught everything from music to math, and basic daily living skills to on-the-job training in the community.
I truly loved my students, for the most part. Some of my students were mentally ill, and needed much more support than I what I was able to give them. I absolutely hated the paperwork. There is so much district, state, and federal paperwork that needs to be filled out with every single student, every single day. This is not a nine to five job.
I became interested in this field when I was in grade school. I volunteered to work with the local park district. I learned a lot from that job. You have to be flexible, you have to have an understanding of what each disability is like, and you need to set clear boundaries and expectations. You need to be very flexible as well. Sometimes you have to make up your own plan. Need to be smart and you need to be creative. Sometimes the simplest things work, sometimes you need to come up with a whole new vision.
You have to be excited about what you are doing, because your student will be excited when they see you. My students wanted to come to school every single day of the week including weekends. They loved coming to see me because they never knew what was going to happen, but it would be something fun. School is supposed to be fun.
It's wonderful that you want to work with this population, but it's a very diverse group. You might want to pick a specialty, but be prepared for anything. It's also a high burnout area. I certainly was an exception. You might want to get your feet wet by getting some experience with special needs children. Park districts and special olympics, are two areas to explore. Your own School should have special needs classes somewhere in the building. Ask teachers if you can help out during your lunch, or homeroom, or study period.
I apologize for any grammatical errors as I am not using spell check. Have a great day!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Katherine
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hello Katherine,
I commend your inspiring choice to work with young individuals possessing unique abilities. It's important to remember that these children are often incredibly intelligent and brimming with talents that they're eager to share with the world. However, their disabilities can sometimes overshadow their capabilities, making it challenging to fully appreciate their potential.
As you've rightly pointed out, this line of work requires specialized training and can be emotionally taxing at times.
I suggest you connect with the guidance counselors at your school. They could potentially introduce you to special educators within your institution, offering you a chance to gain firsthand insights into their daily routines. These professionals could provide invaluable advice on college programs to consider, as well as effective strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing. They might also be aware of internship opportunities where you could acquire practical experience in this field.
Wishing you the best of luck on this noble journey.
I commend your inspiring choice to work with young individuals possessing unique abilities. It's important to remember that these children are often incredibly intelligent and brimming with talents that they're eager to share with the world. However, their disabilities can sometimes overshadow their capabilities, making it challenging to fully appreciate their potential.
As you've rightly pointed out, this line of work requires specialized training and can be emotionally taxing at times.
I suggest you connect with the guidance counselors at your school. They could potentially introduce you to special educators within your institution, offering you a chance to gain firsthand insights into their daily routines. These professionals could provide invaluable advice on college programs to consider, as well as effective strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing. They might also be aware of internship opportunities where you could acquire practical experience in this field.
Wishing you the best of luck on this noble journey.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Katherine,
Working with Special Needs Children
Working with special needs children can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. It requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs and abilities. Here are some key points to consider when working with youth who have special needs:
Understanding the Children’s Needs: It is essential to educate yourself about the specific disabilities or conditions that the children you will be working with have. Each child is unique, and their needs may vary widely depending on their diagnosis. For example, children with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulties with social interactions and communication, while those with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Building Trust and Rapport: Building a strong relationship based on trust and understanding is crucial when working with special needs children. Take the time to get to know each child individually, learn their likes and dislikes, and communicate in a way that they can understand.
Effective Communication: Communication is key when working with special needs children. Use clear and simple language, visual aids, gestures, or any other communication tools that may help the child understand you better. Be patient and give them time to process information and respond.
Managing Behaviors: Special needs children may exhibit challenging behaviors due to their disabilities or difficulties in expressing themselves. It is important to remain calm, consistent, and positive when addressing these behaviors. Implementing behavior management strategies tailored to each child’s needs can help promote positive behavior.
Collaboration with Professionals: Working as part of a team that includes parents, teachers, therapists, and other professionals is essential in providing comprehensive care for special needs children. Collaborate with others involved in the child’s care to ensure consistency in approaches and interventions.
Dealing with Frustrations and Stress
Working with special needs children can be emotionally and mentally demanding, leading to feelings of frustration and stress at times. Here are some strategies to help you manage your own emotions effectively:
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by taking breaks when needed, engaging in activities you enjoy outside of work, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, getting enough rest, exercise, and nutrition.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Talking about your feelings can help alleviate stress and provide perspective on challenging situations.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. Taking short breaks throughout the day to reset can also be beneficial.
By implementing these strategies and approaches, you can navigate the challenges of working with special needs children while also taking care of your own well-being.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The CDC provides valuable resources on various developmental disabilities in children, including information on effective interventions and support strategies.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - The AAP offers guidelines for healthcare professionals working with children with special needs, focusing on best practices for assessment, management, and support.
National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET) - NASET provides professional development resources for educators working with students who have special needs, including tips on behavior management and emotional support strategies.
These sources were instrumental in providing evidence-based information on working with special needs children and managing stress in such roles.
God Bless You,
JC.
Working with Special Needs Children
Working with special needs children can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. It requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs and abilities. Here are some key points to consider when working with youth who have special needs:
Understanding the Children’s Needs: It is essential to educate yourself about the specific disabilities or conditions that the children you will be working with have. Each child is unique, and their needs may vary widely depending on their diagnosis. For example, children with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulties with social interactions and communication, while those with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Building Trust and Rapport: Building a strong relationship based on trust and understanding is crucial when working with special needs children. Take the time to get to know each child individually, learn their likes and dislikes, and communicate in a way that they can understand.
Effective Communication: Communication is key when working with special needs children. Use clear and simple language, visual aids, gestures, or any other communication tools that may help the child understand you better. Be patient and give them time to process information and respond.
Managing Behaviors: Special needs children may exhibit challenging behaviors due to their disabilities or difficulties in expressing themselves. It is important to remain calm, consistent, and positive when addressing these behaviors. Implementing behavior management strategies tailored to each child’s needs can help promote positive behavior.
Collaboration with Professionals: Working as part of a team that includes parents, teachers, therapists, and other professionals is essential in providing comprehensive care for special needs children. Collaborate with others involved in the child’s care to ensure consistency in approaches and interventions.
Dealing with Frustrations and Stress
Working with special needs children can be emotionally and mentally demanding, leading to feelings of frustration and stress at times. Here are some strategies to help you manage your own emotions effectively:
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by taking breaks when needed, engaging in activities you enjoy outside of work, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, getting enough rest, exercise, and nutrition.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Talking about your feelings can help alleviate stress and provide perspective on challenging situations.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. Taking short breaks throughout the day to reset can also be beneficial.
By implementing these strategies and approaches, you can navigate the challenges of working with special needs children while also taking care of your own well-being.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The CDC provides valuable resources on various developmental disabilities in children, including information on effective interventions and support strategies.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - The AAP offers guidelines for healthcare professionals working with children with special needs, focusing on best practices for assessment, management, and support.
National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET) - NASET provides professional development resources for educators working with students who have special needs, including tips on behavior management and emotional support strategies.
These sources were instrumental in providing evidence-based information on working with special needs children and managing stress in such roles.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Working with special needs children can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging at times. When interacting with them, it's important to approach each child with patience, empathy, and understanding. Every child is unique, and their needs and behaviors may vary. Building a rapport with them, establishing routines, and using positive reinforcement can help create a supportive environment for both you and the children.
When faced with challenging behaviors, it's essential to remain calm and composed. Redirecting negative behaviors, using clear communication, and offering support can be effective strategies. Remember to celebrate small victories and progress, as it can be uplifting for both you and the children.
As for managing your own frustrations and stress, self-care is crucial. Make sure to take breaks when needed, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support from colleagues or supervisors. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but knowing when to step back and recharge is key to maintaining your well-being in such a demanding role.
When faced with challenging behaviors, it's essential to remain calm and composed. Redirecting negative behaviors, using clear communication, and offering support can be effective strategies. Remember to celebrate small victories and progress, as it can be uplifting for both you and the children.
As for managing your own frustrations and stress, self-care is crucial. Make sure to take breaks when needed, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support from colleagues or supervisors. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but knowing when to step back and recharge is key to maintaining your well-being in such a demanding role.