Lim: Raising a child with a disability is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also a journey filled with opportunities for growth, resilience and love.
FROM the moment you first hear that heartbeat, you dedicate yourself to preparing the best possible future for your unborn child.
In the beginning, everything seems to progress smoothly, just as you envisioned.
But as time goes on, you start to notice that your child’s development – both physical and mental – lags behind that of other children.
Desperate for answers, you consult doctors, only to receive the devastating news: your child is a person with a disability (PwD).
This diagnosis leaves you to grapple with the overwhelming question: What’s next for my child?
I am autistic, and after my parents faced this heart-wrenching revelation, they made a conscious decision to rise above despair.
They realised that it was crucial to take proactive steps to ensure I could thrive. Through patience, determination and adaptability, they found ways to support my development and well-being, even when the road was far from easy.
Their approach not only shaped my life but also gave me the strength and confidence to navigate the world as a PwD.
Early intervention
Supporting a child with a disability starts with prompt detection. The earlier a disability is identified, the more time and resources parents have to help their child integrate into society.
Physical and cognitive deviations in a child’s growth can serve as early warning signs, especially when compared against developmental milestone charts.
For example, poor verbal comprehension may point to a speech delay or dyslexia.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to bring them to a government clinic for a checkup. Trust your instincts and don’t be discouraged by others who might downplay your concerns – they don’t know your child like you do.
The ideal time to begin supporting a child’s development is between the ages of three and five.
During this crucial phase, register your child as a PwD and enrol them in early intervention programmes, whether private or government-run.
These programmes help bridge developmental gaps in cognition, physical ability and social skills, fostering smoother integration into society.
To maximise the effectiveness of treatment, actively work with your child’s therapist and follow the plan closely. Additionally, connect with parent support groups to gain valuable insights and practical tips on raising a child with disabilities.
If work commitments make it difficult to engage in early intervention, consider part-time or flexible work arrangements to dedicate more time to your child’s development before they enter mainstream or special education.
Neglecting early intervention not only hinders progress but can also create long-term challenges, as your child may become increasingly dependent on others for daily needs.
Early intervention lays the foundation for a PwD child’s long-term well-being and independence.
Support through school
When your child enters school, support them to the best of your ability. Stay actively involved in their education by maintaining regular communication with teachers and school staff to ensure they understand your child’s unique needs.
Attend parent-teacher meetings and collaborate on programmes like the Program Pendidikan Khas Inklusif Penuh, tailoring them to your child’s strengths and challenges.
Encourage your child to participate in school activities to help them build social skills and self-confidence.
At home, create a structured environment that reinforces learning and provides emotional support. Listen to their feedback about school every day to stay aware of their experiences. For instance, if you find out that your child is discriminated against – through bullying by classmates or excessive punishment by teacher – work with your child to design an action plan to address these challenges together.
Never sacrifice continuous behavioural intervention therapy for the sake of tuition or enrichment classes. Skipping therapy means losing valuable time for your child to strengthen their cognitive and social abilities to adapt to society.
Celebrate every accomplishment your child achieves at school. This fosters trust within the family and further encourages the child to be the best version of themselves.
By being both an advocate and a source of stability, you help your child navigate the school system more effectively, setting them up for success both academically and socially.
Journey of love
Raising a child with a disability is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also a journey filled with opportunities for growth, resilience and love.
As parents, your unwavering support, early intervention and active involvement in your child’s education can make a profound difference in their lives.
Every step you take and every decision you make helps lay the foundation for your child’s future, enabling them to not only survive but also thrive in a world that often overlooks their potential.
By fostering a strong, supportive environment both at home and in school, you empower your child to overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.
Remember, the impact of your dedication will echo throughout their lives, guiding them towards a future filled with possibility and hope.
The path may be difficult, but with perseverance, it can bring profound rewards for both you and your child.
Aaron, 20, a student in Johor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1.In groups, role-play short scenarios (e.g. a classmate struggling in school, a child with stage fright, or a peer being excluded). Show how you would support the person facing the difficulty.
2.In pairs, cut out pictures or words from today’s newspaper that represent resilience, support or growth. Paste them into a collage, then present it to the class by explaining why it shows resilience.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
