Part II of Cathy Kreiser Speaking Out

Part II of Cathy Kreiser as my guest poster in a continued story of their son’s special needs.  Cathy continues sharing what God is doing in their little boy.  Be sure to read Part I of her story.

Cathy Kreiser Continues Her Story

“A few months later the Lord healed our son’s heart of a heart murmur. At twenty-seven months old, the Holy Ghost told me that our son, John Michael was reading. I was sitting on the floor reading a book to him next to our breakfast table. I reached up on the table and got a piece of mail, I had thrown on the table earlier in the day. I wrote on the back of the envelope “CAR”. I asked John Michael what does this say? He said, “Car”. Oh my, he not only understood what I asked, but he answered and read and at this point he was not talking much at all!  John Michael proceeded to read the next seven words that I wrote.

At one and a half years old God healed his thyroid. At his three year baby check he was reading words like ‘giraffe’ to the doctor. She couldn’t believe it because there were no pictures! When John Michael entered kindergarten we were told that he was reading at a second grade reading level and at first grade a fourth grade reading level.

God has been doing great things in our little boy, yet outwardly he looks just the same and people respond in like manner. Because of the responses of people I many times would retreat into seclusion in an effort to protect my little one.

John Michael is now seven years old. He is full of life! He wants to have fun and play just like any little one would. Yet, I have had the experience of those parents that don’t want him playing with their children, like he is not good enough, or contagious.

Children with special needs are not contagious… and actually by teaching children to include them and respect them as they would any other child would be preparing them to be more able to deal successfully in different arenas in life.

By not allowing them to have that interaction sets them up to fear what they do not know. And it is that fear, that lack of knowledge, that causes people to react in the manner that I have experienced over and over again.

I think one of the best things we can do is stop and ask the Lord, “What can I do?” Ask yourself, “If that were me, what would I want? How would I feel?”

Occupational Therapist friend, Missy Newcomer Speaks

What is special education? It is specifically designed instruction created to meet the unique needs of a student who has special needs. If there is a child in your life that has special challenges, s/he might be eligible for special education.

If your state has a Department of Education, you should be able to:

1. Contact that department to find out how to initiate an evaluation for this child
2. Familiarize yourselves with your state’s special education laws
3. Learn your child’s rights
4. Be willing to advocate for them

 

You know your child better than anyone else, even the professionals. Recognize yourself as an equal to the professionals working with your child, and they will see you in that light as well.

Ideas for teaching reading and math

These are references that are very helpful for your child’s team to teach them. Please do not let the fact that ‘Down Syndrome’ is in the title fool you. The techniques suggested in these books are very helpful to kids with a variety of diagnoses.
“Teaching Reading Skills to Children With Down Syndrome” by Patricia Olwein

“Teaching Math to Children With Down Syndrome and Other Hands On Learners” by Deanna Horstmeir.

Remember, the instruction your child receives should be tailored to meet his or her specific needs.

Thank you to Cathy Kreiser and Missy Newcomer for giving insight into special needs children.  If you have any questions for them, please email me and I will pass them on. 

Leave you comments on this blog for other parents to read and dialog with you!