Shall we talk about children with special needs?

Every child is special, right? We all think so. But what do we really mean when we say "a child with special needs"? Simply put, this refers to any child who needs extra help because of a medical, psychological, or learning problem. These children are said to have special needs because they may need medications, therapies, or extra help at school - things that other children don't usually need, or only occasionally.

What exactly is "special needs"? Let's take a closer look.

Think about how many things are covered under the words "special needs." It's like a big umbrella, with a wide range of challenges and support options under it. Sometimes these needs are obvious, other times they're very subtle, and only someone who knows the child well can understand them.

Who needs this special help? Let's look at some examples.

We said that special needs can be of various kinds. Now let's see what they are.

• Children who need physical help:

You may have seen your friends at school who use wheelchairs or have special leg braces when they walk. Those children have special needs. Not only do they need those devices, but they may also need ramps instead of stairs, and in some places, elevators. They may also need a special bus to take them to school – one that can lift them onto the bus because they have difficulty climbing stairs. These are what we call visible physical needs .

• Children who need help due to certain illnesses:

Some children have long-term illnesses. For example, think of a child with epilepsy or a child with diabetes. They also have special needs. They may need medication or other help to get through their day. They may need to be especially careful about eating or drinking, or they may need to take medication at certain times of the day. These fall into the category of special health needs .

• Children with vision, hearing, or speech difficulties:

Children with visual impairments may need special apps, tablets, or computers to read books. Similarly, children with hearing impairments may need hearing aids. They may also need things like speech therapy because they may have difficulty pronouncing words correctly because they cannot hear well. These are called sensory needs .

• Children who need special help in learning:

Some children have special challenges in learning. We call these learning disabilities. For example, a child with Down syndrome may be in your class in a regular school. But because they have special needs in learning, they may need an aide in class to help them. These children have special needs in learning .

• Children who are invisible but need help:

You may be able to recognize a few children with special needs at first glance, but you may not be able to recognize all of them. Imagine a child who has anxiety, which means they are constantly worrying unnecessarily. You would have no way of knowing if the child did not tell you about it. But secretly, the child's parents, teachers, and counselors may be helping to reduce the child's anxiety. There are also psychological and behavioral needs .

Simply put, a special need is any situation where a child needs some extra help, support, or a different approach to do things like other children their age.

What is life like for a child with special needs?

Life can sometimes be a little more challenging for a child with special needs. Doing everyday tasks – for example, reading a book, or getting around school or shopping for a child with a physical disability – can be more difficult than for others.

But, there is good news here! Parents, doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers and many others are there to help these children. Everyone's effort is to help these children live as independently and happily as possible . That means empowering them to do their own work.

Imagine, a child named Niluka uses a wheelchair. It is difficult for him to go to the upper floor of the school. But when the school gives him a classroom on the lower floor and builds ramps where necessary, he gets the opportunity to learn and play like other children. That is what happens with support.

How can we help these friends?

Other children can also be a great help to their friends with special needs. How can they do that?

Be a best friend!

This is the most important thing . A child who uses a wheelchair or has another health problem needs friends just like you do. They also want to play, talk, and laugh with others.

But sometimes it can be difficult for them to meet new people and make friends. Some children who don't understand may tease them, ostracize them, and hurt their feelings.

If you ever see someone making fun of, bullying, or marginalizing a child with special needs, please tell a teacher or an adult about it.The loneliness you feel when you're isolated like that is very painful.

If there is a child with special needs in your class, school, or neighborhood, you can talk to them, make them laugh, play with them, and introduce them to your other friends.

Remember this when helping.

If you know someone with special needs, it's a good idea to try to help them.

• You can ask them if they need help carrying their books.
• I can help open a door.
• You can eat together and talk during mealtime.

But, there's an important thing to remember here. That is, don't "go and help too much" when help isn't needed. Why is that? Because, like you, children with special needs like to do everything they can on their own, to be independent.

Imagine that your friend Ravi uses a small cane to walk. If he can carry his bag by himself, it might be annoying for you to keep asking him, "Can I get the bag?" Instead, it's better to ask, "Ravi, can I help you?" when he seems really struggling.

Always ask them, "Do you need any help?" If they say "no," respect that.

Finally, the most important thing: understanding and friendship

One of the best ways to help children with special needs is to build a real friendship with them. When you spend time with them, when you talk to them, you gradually begin to understand how they feel about life, the challenges they face.

Then you can help them in a way that they really need, understand them. And, you know what? By doing that, you're fulfilling a very special need that every human being has: the need for good friends .

Remember, every child is precious, every child deserves love, acceptance, and opportunities. Special needs are not a reason to marginalize someone, but rather a reminder that we all need to help and understand each other and live together.

` Special needs, children, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health, friendship, support