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Listen to the child, hear their voice: a commitment to the success of children with autism in school
Abstract
Children need to be heard and respected and far too often we continue to allow our children to be voiceless, all the while claiming we listen and respect children. However, this can be altered and it is the responsibility of adults, teachers and professionals who work with children with special needs to change this reality. Numerous resources offer 100's of strategies that may be successful but at the root of the problem is our inability as adults to stop and hear our children, specifically those with autism. This paper emphasizes the importance of listening and suggests that it can be done in a straightforward manner. Through a series of vignettes, readers are encouraged to look at life through a new lens that of a young child with autism named Emily. Through this method the author seeks to challenge the reader with a new perspective of children with autism, consider the importance of listening to children through the eyes of a child and thus take this new understanding and implement it into daily life.
Submitted by
Torrie Johal, M.Ed, Program Manager
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
Calgary, Alberta
Email: Torrie.johal@mcman.ca
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