April 1 is the World Autism Awareness Day.
Coincidentally, this marks Kevin's 1st Day at his new 'school' in Singapore. While it is a learning center for his speech therapy, it is simpler in his mind to just call it school. Even if Singapore is such a small island-country, I was amazed to learn the sheer number of Special Schools and Therapy / Learning Centers.
Back in our country, through the active advocation of Autism Society of the Philippines, I believe that the awareness and acceptance for people special needs have improved over the years.
However, it is also true that there will still be pockets of discrimination and misinformation. As parents of a special needs child, we have learned to take in stride the demeaning and condescending stares of people specially during the early years when our son would have a melt down in public places. They wouldn't know of course how difficult it was for a child to not be able to express his needs and be understood.
Not too long ago, I once had a colleague back in Philippines who called a famous media personality's son (a special needs child) as 'abnoy' (colloquial for abnormal) in one our conversation. Whether or not he realized that I am a parent of a special needs child, and that his comment alluded to how I think he sees my son -- I wouldn't know. I looked back at how I felt that moment.
And it wasn't righteousness or anger. I felt sadness. That he couldn't see past the curtain of a person's disability. Or see the beauty or the goodness within that every special child represents - that's why they are called Angels on Earth.
This day is not just a Special Day for all the Special Needs People all over the world- this is also a symbolic day we share with our families, friends, therapists, caregivers, teachers, advocates and professionals-- and the random every day people they meet -- who makes our Angels' world a little bit brighter.. a lot more optimistic and who sees them exactly as our Creator willed them to be. Special.
Coincidentally, this marks Kevin's 1st Day at his new 'school' in Singapore. While it is a learning center for his speech therapy, it is simpler in his mind to just call it school. Even if Singapore is such a small island-country, I was amazed to learn the sheer number of Special Schools and Therapy / Learning Centers.
Back in our country, through the active advocation of Autism Society of the Philippines, I believe that the awareness and acceptance for people special needs have improved over the years.
However, it is also true that there will still be pockets of discrimination and misinformation. As parents of a special needs child, we have learned to take in stride the demeaning and condescending stares of people specially during the early years when our son would have a melt down in public places. They wouldn't know of course how difficult it was for a child to not be able to express his needs and be understood.
Not too long ago, I once had a colleague back in Philippines who called a famous media personality's son (a special needs child) as 'abnoy' (colloquial for abnormal) in one our conversation. Whether or not he realized that I am a parent of a special needs child, and that his comment alluded to how I think he sees my son -- I wouldn't know. I looked back at how I felt that moment.
And it wasn't righteousness or anger. I felt sadness. That he couldn't see past the curtain of a person's disability. Or see the beauty or the goodness within that every special child represents - that's why they are called Angels on Earth.
This day is not just a Special Day for all the Special Needs People all over the world- this is also a symbolic day we share with our families, friends, therapists, caregivers, teachers, advocates and professionals-- and the random every day people they meet -- who makes our Angels' world a little bit brighter.. a lot more optimistic and who sees them exactly as our Creator willed them to be. Special.
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