51yrs

female

Speaks English

At just 15, I began my experience with special needs. I babysat weekly for a young girl with multiple physical handicaps and a severe speech impediment. I did this for three years. During my senior year of high school, I volunteered at a special needs high school. I majored in Special Education and did my student teaching in a moderate-severe class. After marrying and starting a family, I did home daycare for 14 years. I cared for an infant with cerebral palsy for a year. I had a part-time job working with a mentally disabled woman. I helped her with social skills and every day living skills such as preparing meals, chores, spending money, and recreational activities. Later I worked with a young college student who has Down Syndrome. I accompanied her to class, took notes for her, helped her complete assignments and helped her study for tests. I currently work with a young man with severe autism. He is non-verbal and can occasionally become aggressive. His mother and I work with him together. We practice signs, work on eating skills, and take him on outings. Personal experience: I have a brother with mild cerebral palsy, an adopted sister who has mental illness and learning disabilities, and a son with Tourette's Syndrome.