Include them too !

Inclusion- Inclusion is a type of educational approach. In this approach children with special needs usually spend half to all of their school day with children who do not have special needs while having lessons adapted by teachers and other support staff to fit their needs.

With the web-based research I have been doing, I have come across some really different views about Inclusion  throughout Special Education classrooms everywhere.

Some think that it's  a hindrance on the teachers and other staff to have to incorporate modified lessons for the special needs children into the daily lessons that are planned for the typical needs children. Others believe this is what a special needs student needs and adapt and cater to the needs of the special needs child as well as the typical needs child.

Being that not much research has been done about the true outcomes and feelings of inclusion, I figured I would posse the question:

Do you as a teacher believe inclusion classrooms are beneficial?
Where you trained to be a teacher who works in an inclusive classroom?
If beneficial, how did your students benefit from this type of setting?
If not beneficial, why do you feel it didn't help or benefit your students?

Tell everyone about I am Special With Needs!!

If you have anyone you know that could benefit from the information posted on I am Special With Needs! tell them to "follow by email" and they will receive email notifications when new posts are available! Please help spread the word......

A Parents Love

I have recently had the pleasure to contact and interview a mom who has a 2 year old son, both living here in Saudi Arabia who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Please read our conducted interview below. Leave comments of questions or concerns in the comment box below.

Mustafa :-)

What is your child’s name?

"Mustafa"

How old is Mustafa ?

"2"

What is Mustafa's diagnosis?

"Trisomy21 down syndrome"

When did you find out about Mustafa's child’s special needs?

"We found out after birth it was never suspected during pregnancy so it was a huge shock to me and my husband"

What challenges has your family faced since Mustafa's diagnosis?

"Our biggest challenge was accepting and coping and facing the fact that our son has Down Syndrome. Feeling different emotions from shock ,sadness ,denial, to accepting it and finally coping with it. As well as doing all we can for Mustafa to be the best he can be."

"The other challenge was our society. At first some advised us to not tell anyone that their is something wrong with our baby. They even advised me to get pregnant right away. Anyways I blame it on the lack of awareness in our country. I don't blame the people because I was like them. I had no idea what Down Syndrome was. I thought it meant retarded."

What kinds of support have been helpful for you? (family, teachers, friends etc.)

"Alhamdullilah our family and friends support to us was unconditional, they were and still are amazing with us and with Mustafa. At first they didn't know what down syndrome was so they all searched it online and gathered so many helpfull information and some talked to doctors ,Others read books ,watched DVD's. They all stood by us and I thank god for each and everyone of them. But our main support came from an amazing woman who works at the Help Center.  Her name is teacher Nahla. When I met her Mustafa was 2 weeks old and I was so broken. She helped me become a strong mother for Mustafa.  I owe her my life because she is the reason I am living a normal life with my husband and children."

If I were Mustafa's teacher, what advice would want to give me so that he has the best possible education?

{ I would tell you} "Deal with my son as you would deal with your own flesh and blood.With Passion and patience 

Teach him with passion and, help him accomplish his goals with patience."  

What other information would you like me to know about your child?

"Enrolling my son to Help center when he was 2 weeks old is the best decision my husband and I made. Well Mustafa is only 2 but he came a long way. When he was a baby his muscles were so weak. He couldn't lift his head. With care and physical therapy by the Help Center his muscles became stronger, and he's looking great now all his muscle tone is strong and very normal."

What other information would you like other people to know about your child?

"I would like people to take a very good look at my son. He is happy and healthy. As you can see Down Syndrome is not an illness, its a condition. He is just a baby with an extra chromosome. He behaves as other children his age.  He eats sleeps and plays like normal kids. I would like people to wipe away the negative info they have about Down Syndrome and look at the children that are taken care of by their parents. Look at the children that go through the early intervention programs." 

How do you view special education in Saudi Arabia, in the next 10 years?

"It still evolving we need stronger awareness."

Is Mustafa enrolled in any services? (centers, schools, daycares)

"In the Help Center, on Tahlia St {Jeddah}"

What are some of Mustafa’s interests?

"Music, cars, toys, books and the beach." 

In what ways have you educated yourself about Mustafa’s special need?

"The internet helped me a lot. I also bought books and DVD's.{ I also} Spoke to doctors.  

I like talking to parents that have children with special needs and learn from their experiences." 

Mustafa and his sisters :-)

Thank you Nada and family for your time :-)

Kleine - Levin Syndrome (Sleeping Beauty Syndrome)

Below is an article (in English) about a teenage girl who suffers from what is nicknamed "Sleeping Beauty Syndrome". It is a neurological disorder that causes one to sleep for long periods of time (reported cases say up to 8 weeks) and also causes Jekell and Hyde personality changes.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2285208/Sleeping-Beauty-syndrome-teenager-Lois-Woods-snoozes-44-DAYS-time.html

Additionally, there is an article from "Time" magazine about the disorder and treatments for it.

http://healthland.time.com/2012/11/23/new-treatment-for-sleeping-beauty-syndrome/

Homeschooling and The Special Needs Child

Homeschooling everywhere is starting to become a household favorite as more and more parents tend to opt for it as there child's form of education. It is hard to find good, quality education and more so when finding education for a child with special needs.

With rise of abuse by teachers and pupils alike and unjust treatment of children with special needs while in school, parents are now slowly looking into other ways of educating their children. Homeschooling has become "that way". There are many curriculums out there that cater to the needs of special needs children's education style. There are also other curriculums that are not tailored for special needs children, but can be modified to fit their needs.

There are quiet a few families in Saudi Arabia who have opted for Homeschooling for their special needs child. This largely has to do with the unsatisfactory degree of education that takes place here. In addition to the small amount of qualified special education or quality teachers that exist here.

With homeschooling, parents have control over what the child is learning. They also have control over who is present and who is teaching it. Though parents sometimes feel they don't have the time or they don't know how, homeschooling doesn't require you to have prior knowledge about your child's grade level. Most if not all of the curriculums you would follow have instructions or an outline for you to follow. Or there is also the option of you making your own curriculum. Though this may take time to figure out it may be the better option as you would know how your child learns.

There are also options for a homeschool teacher to come to your home and teach your child. Helping Hands offers the option of a teacher coming to your home and teaching your special needs child. Just like being in a traditional school, but being educated in the home with books and supplies that are supplied by Helping Hands.

Pay Close Attention to Your Child's Needs

There are many parents who seem to pass of their child's sicknesses or issues as something else, that may be more mild.


This young girl in the following article was the product of such as thing. Her parents believed she was suffering from one illness when she was actually suffering from another. Its very important for us to help our children the best way we can and be attentive to their needs. You, as the parent know your child best, therefore when you sense there is a problem, don't rule anything out.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2238564/11-year-old-Abigail-Lightbown-dies-brain-tumour-parents-mistook-symptoms-eating-disorder.html

Inclusive Education....is it that bad??

Educating children with special needs alongside their "typical" needs peers has been an issue circulating the education field. I personally, can see the pro's and con's of it as I worked in Inclusive settings for 6 years.  Would you all share what you feel are some pro's and con's of Inclusive Education....I would like to hear others views :-)

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Please do all that you can to create an awareness about Down Syndrome.

Below is a video that brings a reality to us about death, death of parents who have children with special needs. In the video this family is faced with the reality that one day the parents may die and the thought of what their child's future may hold is....a reality.

Saudi Arabia Special Education News

To give readers insight on what the Saudi media thinks of special education or children with special needs, I have compiled a list of news articles (links) that pertain to special education in Saudi. Enjoy and pass it along.

http://www.arabnews.com/offbeat/special-education-saudi-hidden-hazard

http://www.arabnews.com/national-plan-curb-family-violence-ok%E2%80%99d

http://www.arabnews.com/shoura-members-seek-restructuring-hrdf

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120923137162

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=2009041234829

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120529125329

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120329120607

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2011022394429

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120715130011

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=20120410121497

http://www.arabnews.com/daycare-centers-%E2%80%98must%E2%80%99-say-saudi-career-women

http://saudilife.net/alphabets/29621-what-is-special-about-special-education

Practice What You Say You Teach

There are many places/ schools here in Saudi Arabia but specifically in Jeddah who claim to care for children with special needs. Now when I say "claim" I mean they say they do it or provide it but it looks otherwise.

I would first like to start by saying that it aggravates me to know that there are teachers teaching in schools but are not trained to do so. This goes for special education teachers, English teachers and the likes. Some schools, but I would venture to say most schools don't provide a way for their teachers to learn how to teach effectively. Professional development or teacher training should be something on-going for both veteran teachers and new ones, throughout the school year. Its very necessary to have this available to teachers so that they are EFFECTIVELY teaching students.

 I was reading a comment on Facebook, where a similar topic had come up and someone mentioned that teacher training may be seen as a burden here in Saudi Arabia more than a way to help teachers and students learn; I'm actually thinking the same. Though it shouldn't be the case, I can imagine teachers actually being upset that they have to learn something new. It makes me wanna SMH (shake my head).

Now back to the top:

While reading this article http://www.arabnews.com/offbeat/special-education-saudi-hidden-hazard I felt an overwhelming feeling of sympathy for parents of special needs children here in KSA. Though I have always, I feel it even more. There is no reason why parents should feel they are wasting money on their child's education, because schools and centers aren't practicing what they say they teach. If you as the school administrator advertise that your school/ teachers do X, Y and Z, do just that and be sure to have qualified experienced people who do it.

I have been to places here in Jeddah that claim they cater to children with special needs, when all it is is a daycare, and unfortunately the parents don't know or haven't realized this as being the case. Or it could be that the parents of these children are just interested in getting their kids help they are happy there is a place that will accept them. In order for parents to know and identify a "fly by night operation", they first need to know what one looks like. Now I wont really get into what one looks like, but I will say that as parents you should ask about the credentials of the people who will be educating your child. How much experience the teacher or therapist has as well as how the school or program goes about educating their teachers makes a difference. Additionally, I feel parents should go to these places and see whats going on in them before making a final decision. If all else fails, ask someone who is knowledgeable in the field to go with you to help you decide or help to ask questions you as the parent may not have thought of.

I have heard at least 5 different stories where children go to these schools or centers for 3 years, 5 years or even 10 years as 1 client of mine has and hadn't  progressed ANY!!! 10 years, really? The child still doesn't speak? This is shameful. As soon as this child got one-on-one, trained teacher quality help, the child now speaks and can communicate with others. Its sad.

As a parent, though not a parent of a special needs child, I would venture to say that we as parents like to make sure that our children have the best education available to them. Parents look for a safe place as well as a place that will educate their children and be off speakable quality.  But if a place lacks both, then what are the parents of these children left with???? The number of children with special needs is on the rise here. The number of disappointed parents are too.

What I would like parents to understand is, quality services for children with special needs isn't cheap as I have noticed parents complain about this. It takes a lot of time, concentration,materials and dedication to work with a child who has special needs. It doesn't come easy as all cases are different.

 It seems there is too less quality education options with too many special needs children.

Consanguinity Amoung Arab families

The following information is from a website called "Exceptional Arab Families" (link below)

Inter-family marriages (consanguineous marriage) have been among the main causes for birth of children with special needs.  A Bahraini study reported that: " The rate of cousin marriage was 39.4% in the present generation and 45.5% in the previous generation, indicating a high rate of consanguinity, decreasing significantly over time. 

The rate of first cousin marriage was 21%. Interestingly, while 53% 
of respondents were in favor of consanguineous marriage, 62% 
agreed it could cause genetic disease and 47.8% agreed it could cause social problems.

 http://www.exceptionalarabfamily.dmsindex.com/


From my research about this topic; it seems that marriage to a first cousin is not the problem. The problems surface when your parents, grand parents and great grandparents all have married their first cousin. This causes for hereditary issues to increase because of the small pool of genes, which would be similar or the same.

Spinal Muscular Atrpohy Awareness Month

Before this month ends, I wanted to let you all know that it is Spinal Muscular Atrophy month. It is said that 4 out of every 100,000 people have this disease, hence it is a rare one. It caused by a genetic defect. This disease in incurable and in most cases the result is death as it causes severe respiratory infections. There are different stages of this disease.  Some symptoms of the disease in infants and children include:

• feeding difficulties
• poor movement
• low muscle tone
• breathing difficulties
• lack of oxygen
• respiratory infections

 For a little bit more insight about this disease, please look on this site.
http://www.smafoundation.org/

Special Needs Alert

Wouldn't it be a good idea if some sort of alert was established for children with special needs here in Saudi? For example, A child with Autism goes missing. How would we be able to find him or her? What if he or she is non-verbal and isn't able to talk? How would they tell a stranger what their name is or who their mom and dad is? Maybe by having something similar to an Amber Alert (which is a system in America used for children who have gone missing) put in place could make thin a little easier for parents.

Some children with Autism may not understand the dangers that could happen to them, therefore, break away from the family or group out of complete curiosity . But if the child doesn't have like a name bracelet or any type of identification on him or her then no one would know what family they belong too. I know this may seem like a foreign concept to people living here in the Kingdom, but I think its something that could be put in place by a Prince, overseen by a Ministry. (Am I getting a little too ahead of myself?)

Mention this idea to people you know, I will do so as well. Being that everything is done by word of mouth here anyway, this idea may reach the right people, and Allahu Alim, before we know it, it could be a country wide thing!

(Just a little reminder)

Saudi Gazette Article- Centers and Clubs for the Deaf

 This is an article published from the newspaper "Saudi Gazette" about the need for opening centers for those who are deaf. I personally have 1 or 2 qualms with this article as it doesn't seem like much thought was put into how people would feel after reading this article. There are points of the article where sensitivity, obviously wasn't thought about.

The article is below:


http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=20120602125678


My first problem: " ....500,000 deaf and dumb people in the Kingdom". I think the "dumb" word was unnecessary and offensive. The use of the term "deaf and dumb" were used to identify people who were deaf and didn't speak or use verbal communication. This term has not been used in the mainstream for years and years. Those who do not speak are now identified as being "mute". So because someone doesn't use verbal communication, that makes them dumb?? Since when??  Additionally, someone who is not able to hear, is able to think! This term is not politically correct, its 2012, Allahu Mus'taain!

My second problem:  ".....he does not think that there is a need for the establishment for special centers for them". So the Director General who is being quoted here is pretty much saying (this is my interpretation) that enough is being done through the Ministry of Social Affairs and nothing additional is needed. Really? So this means that all 500,000 deaf and mute people in the Kingdom are being serviced by the Ministry. Because if they are not, then there need to be other places where they can receive adequate help.

What I do like about the article is the input the author got from some people who work in the field, the information they gave and the statistic given on the number of deaf and mute people in the Kingdom.

So what do you guys think? Should the term "deaf and dumb" be used to identify those who can't hear and or speak? Are there enough centers in the country that cater to those who are deaf and mute? (I don't think 4 qualifies as enough)

Is it just me or does no one care about children with special needs?

For the past few weeks I have been out-n-about continuing with my special needs awareness project. I have gone to a few international schools, institutes, stores and other centers who cater to children with special needs. I have met many nice people through it all Mashallah. People who care about these children and their families, people who have put forth quality time to educate others. I have also come across people who don't care one bit and then those who say they care, but their physical actions don't show it. All this puts a bad taste in my mouth!

I started thinking that maybe its because I'm from America, my outlook about special education or children with special needs differs from other peoples outlook. Programs, organizations who create awareness programs and  people in the field of special education aim towards helping those with special needs.  I have come across people (of multiple nationalities) who aren't affected by this topic at all. It seems if the person doesn't work in the field (and even some who work in the field don't seem to be effected) or have a family member with special needs.... they could care less.


Though I have no intentions of letting this deter me from my purpose, it is a little disappointing. For some reason I was expecting people, especially those already in the field to be interested in making a difference. Well I am going to keep doing what I was doing and hopefully, by Allah's will, make a difference in the society here. Helping Hands Special Needs Awareness Project continues....

Just poking my head in.....

Hey I am Special With Needs! readers....

I haven't posted anything in a little while. I wasn't abandoning my readers :-( I have been really busy with my new program, "Helping Hands". (By the will of Allah) I have been able to create an awareness for children who have special needs through being out and about within the community, talking to members of society informing them about children who have special needs and the resources available in their city,mainly Jeddah. I feel this is also my responsibility as an advocate for children and families with special needs. Society needs to be educated, this includes you and I. Because I work in the field doesn't mean I know every single thing. There is always new research, new diagnosis, and new methods within this field which may be hard to reach for one reason or another. With this being the case, it's important for us to stay up-to-date on topics that deal with special eduction, both in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

I have realized the first step in lending a helping hand, specifically here in Saudi is by educating the people. If the community doesn't know about people with special needs or disabilities, special education and special needs resources in general how am I to expect them to help their family members or children.

For my readers who are interested in learning more, what do you recommend as steps that I can take that would help to benefit you, your family or your community? Please leave comments below....

Autism....If you didn't know

Being that Autism Awareness Month is coming to a close, I wanted to use this time to point out a few facts about Autism. Most of these facts will be well known facts, others may be new to you. Please pass on any information about Autism to someone who may need it. Please don't assume everyone knows about Autism. We still have a lot of awareness to bring forth:

- Autism is the fastest growing developmental delay in the United States.

- Early Intervention is the best option for young children with Autism (ages 0-5).

- Children with Autism usually have social/ communication difficulties.

- Autism is commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 3.

- Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because the symptoms vary. All children with Autism don't experience the same symptoms.

- Researchers have been searching for a long time but the fact remains, no one has found the cause for Autism.

- Boys are more commonly diagnosed with Autism than girls

- Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention estimates about 1 out of 150 children have Autism.

Let's create an awareness for Autism and other special needs!

What is a Home Visitor?

An (educational) Home Visitor is a professional who comes to your home to work with you and your child to meet educational needs. Home Visitors are usually experienced in family interactions and are skilled in knowing how to meet your needs. Home Visitors are commonly outsourced from an agency or company in which they are given a schedule of different families to meet.

One of the unique strengths of a Home Visitor is the way they are able to interact with families and meet the goals of the family. Being that no one family is the same it is the responsibility of the Specialist or Home Visitor to tailor to the families specific needs.   Home Visitors improve interactions between the parent and child. They promote healthy growth and development and works toward the success of the child and the family on a whole.

Helping Hands Support Services model the Home Visitor technique. Offering 7 services,there are specialists who come to the home of the family to work with the child and family. Helping Hands Specialists work specifically with children who have special needs. Needs that consist of therapy, interventions,specialized instruction, etc. The activities  are developmentally appropriate and  meet the specific needs of the child and family. Children with Down Syndrome, Autism, Learning disabilities and others are welcomed to enroll. Families can expect specialists to be caring, hard working and willing to make a difference by using professional methods and research based activities.

To inquire please contact Helping Hands at helpinghandsep@gmail.com or visit the Helping Hands Support Services tab on this blog.

3,089 Hits!!!!- Thanks guys :-)

In gratitude of my blog and blog readers I would like to thank you all for the support of me, the blog and Helping Hands Educational Program.  As of April 8th 2012 we have reached 3,000 hits. Its not a whole lot but its a good amount for only having the blog running 7 months!  This post will include the most read and top 3 rated posts in I am Special With Needs! blog history.

Feel free to go back and re-read the listed posts as they are informational and obviously the most liked posts!

Number 1 rated post: Professional Insight: Hope for Exceptional Needs. Posted January 4th 2012.

This  was my first interview post on I am Special With Needs! Like I mentioned in the post, I had heard so much about the place, I just had to do an interview with the Director :-)

Number 2 rated post: Muscular Dystrophy: I should have watched those Jerry Lewis Marathon. Posted November 19, 2011

The title speaks for itself. Those of you who don't know who he is; he is an American comedian who hosted a television marathon in support of Muscular Dystrophy and the chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association until 2011. When I was younger I would always turn the channel to something I thought was more entertaining. But now I know better. Muscular Dystrophy is a disability that needs much awareness. 

Last but not least, the number 3 rated post is *drum roll please*World Down Syndrome Day posted March 22 , 2012

I loved this post because I was able to write about something that I saw with my own 2 eyes, here in Saudi Arabia. Seeing what I saw at the event was the start of a new educational and business beginning for me. I was moved and amazed by the initiative put forth in support of people with Down Syndrome. I was very happy to be there and happy to witness the growth of the society. 

So there it is folks, the top three loved posts. If you have not signed up to receive email updates of the blog posts please do so.

Thanks for the support again :-)
Ummaryam

World Down Syndrome Day in Haiffa Mall

Yesterday, at the Haifa Mall in Jeddah was a World Down Syndrome program sponsered by Princess Al- Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders. For the program (which was set-up inside the mall) were booths set up from different companies, schools and programs who cater to children with special needs particularly children with Down Syndrome.

Booth's from Help Center were set-up. At this booth they explained they were looking for used iphones, ipads and ipod's available for donation. A booth from a place I had never heard of was set-up named "Get Smart Center". I was told they are a center gearded towards children with behavioral  problems.  I am very interested in going to check out the center.

There was a nice turn out of people at the function. Parents of children with Down Syndrome, as well as special educators and community citizens.

This is a photo of children and adults with special needs taken at the program.