29yrs

female

Speaks English

I have about 6 years of unpaid experience working with people with special needs. I have the most experience working with children (ages 6-12) with special needs. My brother (4 years my junior) was diagnosed with severe autism. During my years in high school, I would care for my brother when my mother was at work. I would pick him up from the bus that came by our house, feed him, play with him, and some nights, bathe and tuck him into bed. My brother is a runner and has had violent outbursts in which I've had to restrain (hug tightly) him. So, I have experience in tough situations. I understand that caring for a child with special needs takes a lot of patience and sometimes resilience. I have a love and experience with children with special needs that allows me to posses these qualities. Besides caring for my brother I have volunteered at after school programs for children with special needs. I've also been a volunteer at Special Olympics and a teacher's assistant to a class with special needs students. I have worked with children/teens with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, and a number of other genetic or developmental disorders. All in all, I just love working with children with special needs. They bring a fresh and creative perspective to this world. I would not at all be the compassionate and hardworking individual I am today without the experiences I've had with the wonderful kids I've cared for. Lastly, I'd like to mention that I am very dedicated to helping out and am open-minded and receptive to learning your child's routine and providing a consistent babysitter/helper.