Having a special needs child is an eye-opening experience. Having two special needs children is challenging, but I have learned along my journey with these children how to rely on the Spirit to guide me. I need to be “in tune” with the Spirit so I can magnify their lives so they can be the best at what they want to do.
Every special needs child is different. The same goes for typical children. They didn’t come with a handbook though scriptures that I have read helped me focus on finding answers. Life is not easy with no family around to help, rarely do church members offer to help because they don’t know how to handle a special needs child. Many typical families are afraid to invite those with disabilities to gatherings. Many do not know how to adapt when helping those with disabilities. You might ask yourself, where do I begin? The best source of information is the parent.
Parents are a wealth of information when it comes to their child. They can tell you what triggers behaviors, what works, and what doesn’t work. They can even tell you what foods to avoid. The church website has some great ways to teach inclusion so all may participate.
I often pondered, why did Heavenly Father place these individuals here on Earth? Are we to learn from them? Are we to learn compassion and patience? I believe in Heavenly Father’s eyes, these individuals only needed a body. Were these individuals super obedient sent and/or great warriors who had accomplished much prior to this life? Whatever it may be, they only want to be included and feel part of whatever is going on.
I know why my children were given to Dave and me. My mother (who is not a member) told me many times growing up that I forgot to get in the “Patience Line” before coming to Earth. But I knew I had to rely on faith and listening to the Spirit. If I had a chance to help my kids, I would need to rely on my Heavenly Father, and through Jesus Christ, all is possible. The day we brought Sierra home, I knelt in our living room, held her up over my head, and prayed to my Father in Heaven, “Help me be an instrument in her life.” My husband Dave also experienced listening to the Spirit to help our children. To rely on the Spirit, I know I must do my part and read scriptures, listen to the Prophet and practice patience.
You and your ward families can do your part too! Have you heard the saying, “It takes a community to raise a child?” Ministering to families that have a child/children with disabilities can help them feel part of the ward and community. There’s a great article in the January 2013 Ensign called “Embracing Ethan.” It is about how a ward came to love Ethan with Autism. It is one of my favorite articles! Another great read/listen is BYU Maxwell Institute MIPodcast #94, a podcast with scholars talking about people with disabilities in religious communities. I leave you with a simple scripture from John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
In closing, I know there is a Heavenly Father who loves us, and His son Jesus Christ is a great example to us to thrive to love and accept all individuals. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Akron Ohio Stake News 