Rethinking How We See and Support Children with Disabilities
Briefly

The article highlights the need to shift the perspective on disability, particularly in children with ADHD and other developmental differences, from viewing them as deficiencies to recognizing their strengths. It narrates the author's personal experience with nature and parallels it to how society often perceives and treats these children. By sharing the poignant story of a young girl named Maria, the author emphasizes the importance of resilience and altering the educational system to be more empathetic and supportive, ultimately leading to greater success for affected children.
"People who go to the resource room aren't good at anything. I want to be good at something." This statement from Maria epitomizes the harm done by negative perceptions of children with developmental differences.
"The challenge lies in changing the narrative from viewing disability as a deficiency to recognizing and supporting strengths in every child." The focus must be on resilience and potential.
"Resilience, not just symptom relief, is crucial for long-term success in children, particularly those with ADHD and other developmental differences. We need to nurture strength."
"Rather than attempting to change the child, we ought to change the system by embracing flexibility and empathy towards children with unique challenges."
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]