The youth of today doing what they do best . . . changing the world!
[youtube]http://youtu.be/dXmaE0041Y0[/youtube]
Private Practice from the Inside Out
The youth of today doing what they do best . . . changing the world!
[youtube]http://youtu.be/dXmaE0041Y0[/youtube]
SIMPLY AWESOME…Thank-you for sharing.
(Background) I have an older brother (age 52) with Down Syndrome and I remember how growing up, we (my friends) and I never treated my brother any differently. He was just one of the guys and we did things together (IE )Rode bikes, play baseball, football in the park, we hung out on the corner listen to our radios (Tom Petty, Rush, Jethro Tull)
(Fast Forward) Today as a mental health professional, I see the way many kids and adults treat others with disabilities. Like they are damaged and not worth their time or friendship. In this day and age in our world, it is so sad and aggravating for this to be happening. People with mental retardation/ down syndrome did not ask to be born into this life with their disabilities. You would think compassion would take president over ignorance. I could go on more but I will stop here…REMEMBER,
“Let’s peek at the past, stay in the present, and prepare for the future.”
Thank-You again for sharing….
Best Regards to all
Dr. Neal, thank you for sharing what it’s like to the be sibling of someone with Down Syndrome. I wonder what thoughts you might have about how therapists in private practice (who, like me, may not even work with or know an individual with Down Syndrome) can be better advocates for these families . . . . Care to share?
One great way is to help the parents – with parenting! I recall a little guy (with Down Syndrome) at one of the elementary schools where I was the counselor. Darling, funny, lovable – and a kid who – just like any kid worth his salt – loved to give his momma a hard time…just to see how many buttons he could push. She (mom) came to my office one day – close to tears. He wasn’t listening, and he had gotten her to provide him with repeated warnings, threats, and lots of nagging….vicious cycle. I am a Trained Independent Facilitator of Love and Logic ® curricula – so – mom and I had a “cram” session. We decided on ONE skill that she would try – and wowser – worked like a charm (for her – not so much for him 😉 ). We must not fall into the mindset that these aren’t “normal” families with regular challenges! KT
“We must not fall into the mindset that these aren’t ‘normal’ families with regular challenges!” Thanks, Kate! That’s such a great example to share!
Wow. This is such a nice way to balance out acts like Justin Beiber! Thank you for sharing, Tamara, and have a great weekend!
Haha! Katie! I hadn’t’ even thought of that! But I was thinking – that surely this boy’s parents are cool!