To be honest, I never have had paid experience working with anyone with special needs. I have helped out many friends with disabilities such as ADD, ADHD, Diabetes, MS, Cancer, Thyroid problems, Down Syndrome, Autism, Asthma and Allergic reactions, being paralyzed, etc. Also, I used to help out my friend once in a while and watch her daughter who has development delays. I worked with her trying to teach her with making noises, reading, understanding things such as dogs and cats and the sounds they make, etc. In addition to that, my uncle was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer all over his body three years ago. It attacked him all over his body causing him to loose his sense of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. He passed in November of 2009. I worked with the home nurse to learn how to administer medicines, etc. I also used to clean, cook, bathe, transport him to and from his wheel chair, and take him out. I was with him up to his last breath, literally. Also, my sister has Lupus and I helped care for her until she moved to Florida. So, though I do not have professional experience, I do have personal experience and a huge heart!