Special Kids Needs Special Parents

 

Special Kids Needs Special Parents

From Manila Standard, July 22, 2000

I.           SUMMARY

Romeo Conrado, a 10-year old child was diagnosed in 1990 with cerebral palsy diplegia. According to his mother, Mrs. Ana Libunao she haven’t faced any difficulties with her pregnancy. The only thing she noticed was the kicking of her baby and moved nonstop intervals during the pregnancy.  And when she gave birth, Romeo came out reed thin because he is a pre-term baby at seven months. There is quite different in Romeo according to the nurses. They found out that he clutched for air that’s why he kicked hard and the umbilical cord was found all tied all over his neck, causing in insufficient maintenance of air.

When Romeo was an eight month old, they’ve noticed that he could not carry his head well. He moved it endlessly in a counter clockwise manner.  The pediatrician recommended them to see a neurologist to better assess Roco’s ailment and the assessment resulted in having a cerebral palsy diplegia. Roco’s brain suffered from central and peripheral atrophy resulting in damaged motor skills. At first his parents had a denial and could not imagine the magnitude of negative feelings but it took them some time before they are able to move on. Because his parents don’t have a stable job so his parents struggle to gathered free or cheap services to render in their son’s condition.

II. REACTION

Cerebral Palsy is a range of neuromuscular disorders caused by injury to an infant’s birth sustained during late pregnancy, birth, or any time during the first two years of life.  Cerebral Palsy causes a wide range of difficulties, from a clumsy walk to an inability to speak, swallow, caused by faulty messages sent from the brain to the muscles.

In the case of Romeo Contrado, son of a very loving mother, Ana Libunao who faced unto this situation. Roco was a pre-term baby at seven months old causing to brain damaged from central to peripheral atrophy, resulting in damaged motor skills. In the article mother had a denial stage wherein she asked God for letting this happened.  Living in a simple way in such both parent don’t have permanent work to sustain the needs of their child, they are bothered on the future of the child. We all know that educating the child nowadays with exceptionalities is a very tough thing to do because of lots of expenses from diagnosing, assessing a child a letting him to be in school.

As we all know, the population of the Philippines is increasing every year. It also means that there is an increase of special children with special needs like those who have cerebral palsy, mental retardation, ADHD and autism. A lot of teaching techniques have been introduced and are being used in SPED schools.  As we can see, the education of special children here in the Philippines is really expensive. Before a child is enrolled, they still need to observe, assess and evaluate him as each kid has different needs.

The main question is: What if the parents of the special child in the Philippines do not have enough money to send their kids to school?

The usual answer: Consult a Public School

Today, we usually hear news reports about the shortage of books, school supplies, classrooms and the like in public schools. What more for public SPED classes? (I can imagine a worse scenario.) In countries like England there are public schools which are supported by the government to render free services to children with special needs held their free tuition fee.

We know parents who would enroll their kids to normal schools in spite of the fact that they know that their child has special needs. Ok, you enrolled him in a reputable school and the administration gladly accepted him. Do you think he will do just fine? Do you think he can meddle easily with his classmates?

I am not saying this to make the parents of special children feel bad or to discourage to enroll their kid in a public SPED school. I’m just trying to say that this make an appeal to the concerned individuals to also focus on SPED. The increase of children with special needs is alarmingly growing. They have the right to educate and a right to live a normal life. Parents do want the best for their children so work on the program that are best for these kids and follow them correctly. There may not be any cure available for their conditions now, but they can possibly improve for the better.

In case of Roco, his parents can’t afford even the wheelchair to help him move because his motor skills damaged and the therapy needed by him. In this situation, the parents should give him the same amount of both love and discipline you would to any child. Having Cerebral Palsy doesn't mean they need sympathy and create a stimulating learning environment in the home. Don't be disheartened with no answer or no repetition from the child. Keep continue stimulation. She need to be patient and to provide different clues for the stimulation is needed and enjoy and respect her child's individuality.

It is important to take care of one’s health most importantly when pregnant because their might be complications that will affects child’s condition. Good sources of professionals are very helpful in sustaining the good health of the child in the womb. I can’t misjudge the reaction of both parents when they know the condition of their child because every parent wish a healthy child but then a special one is given to them by God so they should take it as a gift for them. Parents should be strong in front of their child so it will give them hope to dream and continue their lives. 

Little Man Tate

 Little Man Tate

Starring:

Jodie Foster as Dede Tate
Dianne HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianne_Wiest"Wiest as Jane Grierson
Adam HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Hann-Byrd"HannHYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Hann-Byrd"-Byrd as Fred Tate
Harry HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Connick_Jr."ConnickHYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Connick_Jr." Jr. as Eddie

 

I.           SUMMARY

It's not what he knows. It's what he understands.

It tells the story of Fred Tate, a 7-year-old child prodigy who struggles to self-actualize in a social and psychological construct that largely fails to accommodate his intelligence. Foster plays Fred’s mother Dede, who attempts to give her son a "normal" childhood while simultaneously feeding his intellectual curiosity.

Dede Tate is a single mother, a working-class woman of average intelligence raising a 7-year-old boy who shows every indication of being a genius.

In most respects, Fred Tate is a normal child. He is polite and helpful around the house. But his reading and mathematics levels are rather astounding, and he plays the piano expertly as well. Fred's intellect comes to the attention of Jane Grierson, a psychologist who runs a school for gifted kids. She seeks permission from Dede to admit Fred to the school, which likely can develop his intellectual gifts in a way that a public school cannot. She is reluctant, though, preferring that Fred have a normal upbringing and also a bit put off by Jane's manner. Fred fits in nicely at the institute, befriending Eddie, a man in his 20s who permits Fred to hang out with him. Fred also becomes acquainted with one of Jane's prized pupils, the brilliant but slightly bizarre Damon Wells, a whiz at math who wears a black cape wherever he goes.

Proud of her son's intelligence but anxious about his being unprepared emotionally, Dede must decide whether to let him continue in this special environment or return to their former life, when it was just mother and son.

I.           REACTION

Through the eyes of an exceptionally gifted child of seven, 'Little Man Tate' delivers a fascinating insight of the seclusion, maturity, separation and cleverness of what it is to be highly impressive yet very young and how authoritative it is to achieve a balance when educating and raising such children.

This story is truly timeless, gifted education is still in the formative stages today. The movie shows that a careful balance between the nurture of the parent and the wisdom of the educator can give children an environment to reach their potential in a healthy way.

Little Man Tate is a very good movie and very charming. I know some might find it a little boring, but honestly, you have got to give this movie a chance, it has great drama and some fun comedy along the way.
Fred is a very special little boy. He is able to play complicated musical pieces, pen deep and meaningful poems, calculate complex mathematical problems at an age when his classmates are still learning to tie their shoes and mastering their alphabet. He's a child old before his time, capable of thoughts far beyond the average adult's understanding, but at the core of it all, he is still just a seven-year-old who wants to fit in at school and have friends. His mother Dede, played by Jodie Foster, determines the best way to raise her beloved son is to treat him like any other child to the extent that she never really acknowledges his gifts, whereas Jane Grierson is on the other end of the scale as a psychologist whose field is gifted children. Jane takes an interest in Fred, believing his intelligence must be nurtured even if it means a child of seven into a university full of young adults.

This film takes us into the heart of what it is to be a child sensation and how it can be both a gift and a curse. We see Fred surpassing his adult classmates in his university course yet he struggles to interact with peers his own age who are of average intelligence. Through him, it is easy to see that being perceived as 'normal' can be the greatest gift of all.

This fascinating story in a manner that is bittersweet, touching and, at times, funny. The characters are all interesting and likable and you can't help but feel for Fred's joys and despairs.

Through Fred, we can see that the academic world of gifted children isn't just filled with the nice, polite, precocious, bespectacled children that we are often shown on news magazines or public television programs. We are allowed to see that some are as outright insolent and fake as the adults who claim to be only nurturing their gifts.
This work presents the challenges of raising a gifted child. It is never an easy as it seems, raising a child who is more intellectual than you are - a fact wrenchingly portrayed herein. The emotional needs of these children often go unattended, as the parents usually struggle to satisfy the intellectual needs.

It is wonderful in showing how Fred is just a kid who wants to be liked, and how he desperately needs the adults around him to provide him a balance between being treated like the seven-year-old he is while allowing his towering intellect to thrive.

Fred meets interesting characters throughout his journey learning that maybe life has more to offer than what he used too.

King’s Speech

King’s Speech

The King's Speech is a richly enjoyable, instantly absorbing true-life drama about the morganatic romance between introverted stammered King George VI and his exuberant Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue: an affair brokered by George's shrewd wife in her pre-Queen-Mum incarnations as the Duchess of York, and then Queen Elizabeth. These characters are performed with pure theatrical gusto by Colin Firth as the miserably afflicted monarch, Geoffrey Rush as the twinkly eyed speech coach and the Queen who has to learn to like Logue by overcoming her own arrogance – which she incidentally never troubles to disguise as shyness.

 It is a singularly gratifying experience to watch the king’s stars, do what they do best: act. It's like watching a master class. They disappear into their characters and make them both interesting and understandable. That's not always the case with films about royalty. Often, they're a visual and unremarkable summary of what we know from books; here, they fascinate with their trials, triumphs, and, most of all, humanity. And for a movie steeped in a feel-good message. You don't need to be afraid of the things you were afraid of when you were 5," intones one man -- it's far from old.

Once again the British gives us commoners a peek behind the palace walls and once again it isn't very pleasant. At least, this time we have a hero who isn't a complete jerk (King George) unlike his daughter as portrayed by Helen "The Queen". The jerk in this flick is his brother David who abdicates the throne for an American trollop. The king stutters in the day (before WW II) when all radio broadcasts were live. Colin Firth portrays the King and Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist and both do an excellent job. The class system and the snobbery are all here and the only thing that breaks it down, if only for a moment in time is the threat of war.

If this movie wasn't already the tremendous acting vehicle it's been acclaimed as, it would still be worth seeing for its stunningly realistic recreation of 1930's London. The street scenes, the historic sites, the artifacts, the transition to a war footing, all perfectly done. And I can't recall a film I've enjoyed so thoroughly on so many different levels. The acting, the continuity, the plot line and the always present undercurrent of gentle humor - almost perfection!

It gives hope to the common man and for that I thank you. Hope that we may all share at least one sensation and in that sensation we discover equality. Far too many children in our ever growing family are quick to dismiss their brothers and sisters due to ignorance, self preservation and offensiveness. I've placed upon you the greatest burden of our time; please continue to carry your banner to ease our condition. May your grace be remembered and as well our capacity to appreciate you.

However, despite the over-obvious movie structure that, on occasion, gets forced onto the historical events depicted in the film, The King’s Speech is a terrific film with great performances by the cast, as well as an inspiring, not to mention charming, story about a man who not only finds his voice, but finds his place as one of the most important leaders in history.

I am Sam

I am Sam

Starring:

Sean Penn as Sam Dawson

Michelle Pfeiffer as Rita Harrison Williams

Dakota Fanning as Lucy Diamond Dawson

 

I.           SUMMARY

The story of a developmentally disabled and autistic man, Sam Dawson, 1 father of a child with a homeless woman. The baby's mother runs away instantly after the baby's birth, leaving Sam, holding the baby. Sam has the mentality of a seven year old, but the common sense, compassion and determination of a mature adult.

Despite his disabilities, Sam manages to raise his baby daughter Lucy, with the help of his friend Annie a reclusive pianist on his waiter salary from Starbucks. Sam's friends, four disabled adult men welcome and love Lucy and the little group mumbles along taking care of Lucy in their own funny, endearing way. Sam and Lucy have a lovely relationship.

However at Lucy's seventh birthday party, friends from school are invited and several mock Sam and Lucy. Seeing Lucy hurt and angry, Sam justifiably criticizes the offending child. The child's parents' already uncomfortable with Sam, target him as unfit father. Lucy is removed from Sam's home and placed in court protection while the custody issue is resolved.

Sam attempts to hire an attorney, Rita Harrison who completely blows him off as a nut case. Rita is known as a cold pitiless lawyer only after her own interests. She's high-powered, intense, angry and obsessive. Rita's husband has almost abandoned the marriage and she is left to care for her son Willie who is very angry at her. In an effort to improve her image, Rita lies saying that she does take free cases. Sam arrives to again plead for her help, and Rita is caught in her lie and forced to take on Sam's case.

As they work together to secure Sam's parental rights, Sam unwittingly helps Rita with her family problems, including encouraging her to leave her philandering husband and repairing her fractious relationship with her son.

Of course, against all odds, Sam draws Rita to his cause to get Lucy back, but he gets a hammering from nasty attorney Turner, whose argument that, just maybe, Sam isn't exactly the ideal dad to raise a child alone is treated by the script with contempt.

Finally, it appears that Lucy has found a new, nurturing home with Randy, but this potentially interesting turn becomes just another piece of manipulation, as Randy can't help but observe that Sam -- despite some highly erratic and questionable behavior -- is the most loving and devoted parent Lucy could have.

II.        REACTION

I am Sam has several linked themes. Love is all you need. Not a certain IQ. Not a college degree. To be a father, you need to have love. When asked what it meant to be a father, what Lucy looked-for from a father, no one was really able to put it clearly into words. As Sam and Rita showed, many difficulties to parenting could be overcome. Even help from Randy to be the mother figure for Lucy. All parents of every aptitude level need those. But the one thing that only Sam could give Lucy was the love of a father.

A very touching story that will open the eyes and mind of every individual that in spite of the disability it will not hinder the task of being a good parent. In some instances that Sam can’t be a father figure to her daughter it is also a big deal that Sam should fight for. According to the agency, it is difficult for Sam to guide Lucy when she will be teenager because of capacity of a seven year old child. As the story end it’s the faith, love, passion of Sam that will help him to raise Lucy in a right way.

Finding who you are, learning to love who you are. Learning to let others love you  and learning to give love. It shows optimistic personal identity. Rita learned from Sam that she was loved. She was acceptable and adorable as she was. Rita’s life was harsh and frantic. She was obsessive, on the edge and freakishly organized. Food stuffing as Rita did with the marshmallows is perseverative behavior. She wasn't so much eating them as storing them away. Rita also took little things and hid them in her pocket; valueless things like the jellybeans and coffee creamers. These are unusual behaviors. Sam was a salvation for Rita; he pulled her back from the brink of a mental breakdown.

It is about working hard to give someone something that will be good for them and make them happy even if at first they refuse.  When Sam didn't visit Lucy and missed his scheduled visits at Randy's house, which was revealing that Sam really was a worthwhile, capable parent because a real parent would feel that pain.

 I really like the little parade back and forth past the 7-11. And when Randy was won over by Sam's love in the end, he wasn't bitter at all. He welcomed her into their little family. To me that's what showed his depth of character.

Front of the Class

Front of the Class

This is a story of a man named Brad Cohen, a man who is extremely strong in spite of his condition. This good-looking man who had Tourette’s syndrome; a neurological disorder that he can’t control, wherein caused him a lot of discrimination towards his life, as a child and as a man looking for a job. His physical appearance is normal  as well as his behaviour, the only problem is the way he talks, it’s like his barking like a dog and he do a lot of pauses that made him disqualified as a teacher.  He has a broken family, wherein his Mom and Dad are divorced. His condition was discovered in his childhood life through the researches of his loving mother.

The movie is very touching, it opened the mind-set of all the people questioning the abilities of all persons with special needs to do things that a normal person can do. In the first scene his just like a typical boy loved playing but because of being difference he is a center of bullying among his classmates and hated by his teachers because of the noises he made during class hours that made the class disturb. In his relationship with his family there is also a problem, it’s his relationship with his father, it’s natural for a father because his children are all boys, so a lot of expectations from him. It is sad to know that he can’t asked for any advises from his father in his problem in applying a job because he doesn’t know if his Dad would understand him but he is thankful that he can lean-on to his Mom and younger brother.

It is so cute to hear his nickname; ‘Bobo’ written on plate number of his car but I’m disappointed how dirty and disorganized his apartment. All dirty dishes stocked in the kitchen, used clothes scattered in the sofa and things not in place. He had that rare disability but the only affected was his way of talking not his mental ability. It is very painful that in public areas where he can enjoy, there are people think, act strange when his there when every time they heard him “barking”. At the last scene where he got an award as a teacher, I don’t know what I’m feeling; tears of joy because he showed that even him with that condition can excel and be a worthy citizen in his country and during the time he made his speech, it is funny that his students answers his question even though they are not asking. I’m so surprized that the movie is a true-to-life story.

 I think the movie was made around 80’s or 90’s because of their dresses, so at that time when persons with special needs was not merely recognized, many people don’t knew about their condition that’s why police, school-age children, parents, and even teachers was not so familiar with it. For me the highlight of this movie happened when the principal asked Brad to go on stage and explained why he made those annoying noises, all of us thought that it was one way of making fun of him but in fact it’s the first stage of accepting him in the school, that  scene cries me a lot. I am very amazed, stunned and proud of him because in all discrimination, judgement and prejudice he encountered in his life, he stand strong and never give-up. If I’m in his position I don’t think if I can handle those times that people around me are judging me.

The story of Brad Cohen is well known, especially to those of us. It is the telling of the story that is incredible. Front of the class captivates us, produces tears and laughter, and teaches important moral values. Brad’s strong optimistic attitude is a blessing to everyone. The acting is far superior to most television movies. The direction has a fine touch that never enters the melodramatic or over-sentimental. I really loved the idea of this movie. Someone like this character in the story really goes through a lot in their life, and the fact that it’s based on a true story, really makes it that more interesting.

Every aspect about this production deserves acclamation. It should be noted that Brad does not curse with his Tourette’s syndrome. Only 1% of the people with this illness have that version that causes cursing. Many of the tics are physical, not verbal. Brad’s problem is making barking noises. When he answers the phone, most people ask if he has a dog.

This is a powerful movie with the theme that it’s okay to be different. In Bard’s case, this is true because he dedicates his life to the good, the true and the beautiful and to helping others. Being different should not be celebrated just for the sake of being different. But, the story of overcoming and the love and compassion manifested in this story gives credence to this particular message.

That is the personality I want to acquire and to the children that might I encounter. I believe that because of his personality he made through that, he is the best example not only being an educator but also to those persons who lose hope because they think that they are useless. As what he said his Tourette’s syndrome is his teacher.

The Blind Tenor, Pianist and Linguist

The Blind Tenor, Pianist and Linguist

From Manila Bulletin, February 22, 2004

 

I.           SUMMARY

Due to a tough and complicated pregnancy, the doctors recommended that the baby be aborted to save the mother’s life. That is how the journey of Carlos Alberto Ibay started. Despite the odds, her mother declined to give him up.

Carlo was born premature; he was placed in a nursery incubator for two weeks. In that case he was exposed in too much oxygen which causes him to be blind.

For 24 years of struggling, he was been captivating international l concerts audiences with his gifts for singing and playing the piano. At seven he was trained by Thomas Schumacher the techniques of the piano to carry the dramatic understanding of music. At the age of 12, he gained lots of awards in music competitions. He played also in different countries like Russia that brings him plenty of awards. Aside the gift in playing piano he is also good in singing. He sings sacred songs, opera arias, classic jazz, Italian classics and popular music. “My music ranges from Back to Rock” he says. He enabled to master different languages that made him a linguist. 

II.        REACTION

The article tells us that children with visual disabilities have the same opportunities to study in regular schools like normal children. With the services of special education teacher, the absence of sight does not have to be a hindrance to the blind persons’ desire to get an education to prepare them for a better life in the future.

Over the years the term has been given different definitions, but most are not accurate enough to cover the broad range of difficulties the hearing impaired individuals suffered. The word actually refers to those exceptional children who are at least some degree of acquiring language skills is affected due to hearing defects. But though a hearing level of 70dB indicates severe to profound problems, it doesn't always define the term. In general hearing impaired children are less vocabulary and communication difficulties who are unable to envision multiple approaches to a problem and develop social isolation to deal with it.

I am very proud to both parents of Carlos that in spite of the difficulties during pregnancy they never tend to abort their child instead they take till the end. And they are as supportive as a parent because they didn’t feel denial when they knew that their child is special. We all know that raising a child with this impairment takes a big responsibility. From taking him to school, from the daily living, in guiding him to where they go are very difficult tasks to do but on Ramon and Carmencita Ibay it is not a hard thing to do because they truly love their child of what he is. That is how both parents gave hope to their child in facing the life.

He is gifted man that gave him lots of talents in playing piano, in singing and even in speaking in different languages. Despite his blindness he is a gifted one. It helps him faced the crowd with confidence and hope to live a normal life and be a model in each persons with visual impairment.

Sometimes, unintentionally of course, parents tend to suppress certain potentialities in hearing impaired children, presuming that they cannot hear it. They simply stopped talking to them. A hearing impaired child may pose a serious challenge to reach the goal of self-dependency, parents must learn that hearing impairment doesn't mean mute it is rather man made. We have to identify the problems early and an immediate intervention must begin as early as possible.
Most of the children have experienced ridicule from society due to their way of speaking. Therefore, teachers and parents should focus on preparing the children for public speaking once their hearing improves. We do small competitions to motivate them and it is amazing to see their confidence grow.
 

The Awakening

The Awakening

The awakening is a story based on true happening way back 1969. In 1969, Dr. Malcolm Sayer is a dedicated and caring physician at a local hospital in the New York City borough of The Bronx. After working extensively with the catatonic patients who survived the 1917-1928 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica, Sayer discovers certain stimuli will reach beyond the patients' respective catatonic states; actions such as catching a ball thrown at them, hearing familiar music, and experiencing human touch all have unique effects on particular patients and offer a glimpse into their worlds. Leonard Lowe proves elusive in this regard, but Sayer soon discovers that Leonard is able to communicate with him by using a Ouija board.

After attending a lecture at a conference on the subject of the L-Dopa drug and its success with patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, Sayer believes the drug may offer a breakthrough for his own group of patients. A trial run with Leonard Lowe yields astounding results as Leonard completely "awakens" from his catatonic state; this success inspires Sayer to ask for funding from donors so that all the catatonic patients can receive the L-Dopa medication and experience "awakenings" back to reality.

The whole story is fascinating and heart-whelming film. I am wondering if what was really happened to Leonard that led to that condition. I thought the place where patients with post-encephalitic syndrome a mental hospital because of the misbehaviour of the patients. It’s really funny when Dr Seyer. was trying to assessed those persons when they exhibited strange and hilarious behaviour. An example of this are when an old woman catching his eye-glasses, a woman who shouted in hearing just a click of a pen. The most interesting part of this dilemma is the never-ending care and assistant of their family even there are nurses assigned to take good care of them.

I realized that in every work, job, responsibility and obligation, every persons must give their heart to it, most especially if it is a social work wherein you are serving for the people because if you are just working for a money all things go rough, meaning you cannot enjoy and well contented with the public services you are catering of. In the case of Dr Seyer without his concern persons in that hospital will no longer be awakened and didn’t experience to enjoy life even in just a short time.

For those early years wherein there is no such medicine for a certain illness, truly there is an experimentation made to patients in order to identify such cure. I am just wondering if it is based on a true story, in the modernization of the world, I am sure that there is a medicine for post-encephalitic syndrome.