Experiences with people with a Learning Disability or Emotional or Behavioral Disorders or on the Autism Spectrum
Student’s name
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Experiences with people with a Learning Disability or Emotional or Behavioral Disorders or on the Autism Spectrum
- What personal or other experiences have you had in your life with individuals with the above disabilities?
At the age of 10, I joined a new school since we had moved to a new town. Our Class teacher allocated me next to Jack, one of the boys I grew font off immediately after joining the school. Being my desk mate, we were pared to do most of the assignments. In one of the afternoon sessions, we agreed with Jack to have a brief discussion on our assignment. I requested Jack to read a short story, but to my surprise, He could not read. At first, I thought he was kidding since I had never experienced a similar situation in my life. Later I shared with my teacher, who explained that Jack had dyslexia. By then, I didn’t know the meaning, but I had the experience. That alone changed my mind and perceptions about anybody I meet in life.
- What type of emotional responses did you experience as you interact with individuals with those disabilities? 5 pts.
Interacting with Jack at first was easy open, and free. I felt he was just like me and the rest. After the discovery, it turned out to be shocked at me, but I learned to appreciate him and supported him over time. Slowly and with the support, we journeyed with Jack with significant milestones. It was shocking, but I also sympathized with Jack.
- In the past, what preconceived notions guided your thoughts about people with those three types of disabilities? Discuss how your perceptions have changed? 5 pts.
As I grew up, I had never been exposed to anyone with learning disabilities until I met Jack.at the back of my mind, I knew there different types of disabilities but not dyslexia. Without any preexisting knowledge about the disabilities, I was exposed to this early enough, and I have lived to appreciate and support all the PWDs.
- What changed your perceptions? 5 pts.
The experience with change changed my mind to date.
- How will you use these changed perceptions to increase opportunities for people with disabilities and educate others? 5 pts.
From the story of Jack, I have learned to appreciate and support all the PWDs. Besides, it is challenging to notice people with learning disorders; they struggle unnoticed.
References
Stainton, Tim, and Hilde Besser. “The positive impact of children with an intellectual disability on the family.” Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability 23.1 (1998): 57-70.