Modeling inclusivity What Lily’s parents wish others knew about kids with autism is that they are just like any other child. They want friends, but they aren’t always adept at making or keeping relationships with others in a traditional sense. The Mott family lives in a very social neighborhood with lots of kids, but Lily is rarely invited to play. Stephanie eventually asked an older neighbor child with great social skills to come over for “play sitting” — where she would watch how Stephanie interacted with Lily and then do the same, providing Lily a much-needed opportunity to interact with a peer. “This was such a blessing to our family, and now other families are trying it, too,” said Stephanie. “Adults need to model for kids what they want them learn. Eighty percent of communication is nonverbal, so when we’re trying to teach kids something difficult, it’s easier to show them than tell them.” While reading books or having conversations about children with special needs is important, the crucial step in helping
typically-developing kids learn to be accepting of those who are different is to model it in the real world. am so proud of her. She’s taught me a lot about myself and what’s really important in life. ” Stephanie Mott “I For many special needs parents, Stephanie says life during the COVID pandemic has mirrored their everyday lives. Likewise, some of the same shifts that have been necessary for all families during the pandemic can be helpful guidelines in considering how to be more inclusive and understanding of children with special needs. “Being a SPED parent is very isolating, we don’t always have the resources we
need, many of us are left to homeschool, we have to be very cautious about germs because our child may be more vulnerable and family is not always able or willing to help,” said Stephanie. “We’re all trying to be more gracious, to make more of an effort to connect in ways that might not be typical, and we’re celebrating the little things.” Being the parent of a child with autism can be an especially difficult journey because the diagnosis is unlike others. “For other diagnoses you get a clear-cut course: this is the cause, this is the treatment, here is your roadmap,” said Stephanie. “Autism parents don’t always get that. There is no agreement on what causes it or what’s best to treat it, so many parents are left to research and try things for themselves.” Treatments or therapies that work for one child with autism don’t always work for another, which Robert says has been one of the most difficult parts of this journey for he and Stephanie. The ensuing isolation for children and parents can feel insurmountable. “My saving grace has been community — connecting with other moms who actually
Q What kind of field trips do you offer to classes of students and homeschoolers? Melessa Gregg, executive director of Harn Homestead, answered these questions about their field trip programs. Field Trips at the Harn
We offer hands-on activities in a one-room schoolhouse, an original dairy barn and a historic farmhouse. Cost is $10 per student. Reservations can be made through Education Director David Sapper at dsapper@harnhomestead.com. A limited number of field trip scholarships are available. What changes have you made to your field trip program because of the pandemic? We created an entirely outdoor program encompassing activities from the farmhouse and barn. We are also currently renting out the schoolhouse to student or homeschool cohorts and providing parents with the educational materials for presentation rather than having staff and volunteers as teachers and docents. The buildings and materials used are then cleaned and sanitized thoroughly prior to the next scheduled group visit.
Q
He’s One Pill Away From Dependence.
When crisis strikes, we’re one helping hand away.
1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-235-4058 harnhomestead.com
UnitedWayOKC.org
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online