Children with special needs and learning differences do have to fight big battles every day. They are trying to relate to a world which often does not make any allowances for their differences. A world where they are seen as strange and not accepted.
They struggle to engage with the lessons that are presented to them in the classroom. Their learning styles or best way of accessing the material may not be taken into consideration.
The pace at which the material is presented may be too fast and not repeated enough for them to be able to process it.
They may have sensory needs and sensitivities that are impacted. They can be distracted by a noisy classroom or the noise itself can be painful for sensitive ears.
They may struggle to answer questions when called upon because it takes them a longer time to formulate their response.
They may prefer to work alone but are often required to work in groups where there are demands for social skills that they lack, and with other children who are more naturally adept in group interactions.
They may need down time, sensory breaks, and just plain time alone to regroup, recharge, and not be given those breaks.
With all the stresses that are not understood by others, kids can start acting out and have meltdowns. Their behaviors are not understood or easily tolerated by the other kids and the teacher. So that causes them to stand out again as different or strange.
The IEP report stated ” He comes to school every day with a smile on his face and ready to work.”
That is what I call bravery.
