Every
child with a special need or disability comes with their own arsenal of
strengths and weaknesses. As a parent, you learn quickly what your child likes
and doesn’t like. Some of these things may be very odd but can bring peace to
your child. My son, Ethan, loves textures of Tupperware lids, baggies, and lots
of other miscellaneous things that are perplexing to spectators. I have learned
to simply tell my family and friends about these desires that he has. Taking
bags and filling them with toys that are more appropriate for Ethan has been my
biggest go to strategy. I have given him opportunities to play with Tupperware
lids while he is doing more appropriate things such as sitting and eating. In
fact, I have played with the bags and lids myself to help him fit in. I have
experienced the crazy looks from family members who are trying not to attend to
the oddities. Everyone means well but are curious by Ethan’s differences
nonetheless.
Ask
yourself this, would Grandma Betty be appalled if you handed her a bag filled
with feathers to play with at the Thanksgiving feast? What does your child like
to do? Would Uncle Joe be ok if you turned on some music to calm your child’s
sensory processing needs? Come up with a plan. Include your family and friends
in that plan. Explain why it is helpful. See what they say. Does this always
work for every situation? Nope. If you don’t make an attempt to share your child’s
needs with your family and friends at social gatherings, they can’t make things
easier for your child and your immediate family members. Remember. Be honest.
Communicate.
