The Challenge Of Raising A Deaf Child
I know how difficult it can be to have a hearing impairment
. I sustained hearing damage throughout my elementary school years due to the tremendously loud fire alarms positioned in every classroom, which would be tested on a regular basis.Though the impairment is relatively mild, it has resulted in plenty of frustration and lots of garbled conversation that has had to be repeated. Because of this, I can only begin to imagine how frightening and challenging it can be to have a deaf child, especially a toddler or even an infant.
However, you have to remember that there are parents that successfully raise children with special needs all the time, all over the globe.
As you will find out with the help of your doctor, there is a wide variety of reasons behind your little one's deafness, but this disability has nothing to do with intelligence. The biggest roadblock that the hearing impaired and the deaf face in their lives is being treated as though deafness were equated with stupidity.
As their parent, it is your duty to never treat them this way. Instead, try to focus on maximizing their potential--and yours. Having a deaf child gives you the opportunity to develop new skills which can be useful in other interactions with those with special needs.
On the other hand, you cannot be overprotective. Every child has to learn to cope with problematic situations on their own, so giving them the opportunity to gain independence and communicate with others will help them gain valuable life skills in the long run.
Begin teaching them sign language as soon as possible. Even very young children can imitate basic hand signals to make their needs and wishes known. There are plentiful books, videos, and websites specifically devoted to helping little ones acquire ASL communication skills. Make sure that your other children devote some time to learning this so that they can also bond with their special needs brother or sister.
Teach your young one all of the safety precautions that you teach your other children. Tell them about stranger danger, how to cross the street safely, and who to go to when they need help.
In your home, make sure to install special fire and carbon monoxide alarms that include flashing lights as well as sirens. Use other precautions in each child's room to ensure they are properly alerted to danger.
Encourage normal interpersonal interaction between your child and others their age. Help them pursue their interests, and don't hold them back. This can be challenging, but it can also be the key to raising a well-adjusted, active child who just happens to be deaf.
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