Categories
Autism / Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are neurological disorders that are characterised by difficulties with social communication, with social interaction, and with social imagination and flexible thinking.
Specific Learning Disabilities
So what can people with learning disabilities do that I can do also? Well it would take pages and pages to name them all, so I’ll describe them in one short word: EVERY THING!
Holly Hanlon, Scoil Bhride Naofa, Kildare taken from I Can, You Can: Primary Schools Essay Competition, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (2005)
Physical Disabilities
There are no spectators at life's banquet - everyone is at the table, no one is excluded.
President Mary McAleese speaking at Enable Ireland Cork Services on 16 July 2004, taken from Enable Ireland Newsletter Autumn 2004
Specific Speech and Language Disorders
Having your child assessed for a speech problem is not a sentence. Many wildly successful people had speech and communication problems in their childhood. We don't realize this, because for so many of them, the problem is no longer there.
Dr Nancy Dickey, taken from Dr Nancy Dickey’s Column
General Learning Disabilities
Deep down, John is a sensitive and caring young man. … I think that John is tired of being different. I also believe that the labels that have been placed on John have made it difficult for him to succeed. John has learned to see himself as different.
Exceptionally Able
Not every child has an equal talent … but they should have the equal right to develop their talent and … to make something of themselves.
John F. Kennedy Civil Rights Address delivered 11 June 1963 taken from the National Association for Gifted Children (US) http://www.nagc.org/
Emotional Disturbance and/or Behavioural Problems
My 11-year-old son, Craig, was suicidal. He set fires. He killed animals. He was a danger to himself and everyone around him. … The people in the system of care really showed that they care about us as a family. They lifted us up and brought us closer. Today, Craig is on the honor roll at school.
Dyspraxia
I’m not naughty – I’m Dyspraxic
Headline from a survey commissioned by Dyspraxia Foundation UK for Dyspraxia Awareness Week 24–30 September 2007
Assessed Syndromes
People are always pushing her forward and letting her do things ... She is just another young girl full of life. ... And that makes you want to stand up and cheer.
Parent of child with special educational needs, from ‘Something to Cheer About’, Tom Gresham in The Daily Progress, 7 May 2000