Yesterday and today I had my first two clinical rotations of the term. I was able to spend both days at a special needs school. It was an amazing experience. Because I have not had very much exposure to the special needs population, I am sorry to say that previously they made me a little bit nervous. I was never sure how to react to them, what was appropriate for me to do, how to read their body language, what signs indicated what they were feeling, etc. However, after spending many hours with these sweet spirits I have become so much more comfortable with them. It was such a wonderful opportunity. These beautiful spirits are given bodies that don't necessarily cooperate with them. Most of them were non-communicative, but I loved this sign that I saw in many of the classrooms: "Being unable to speak is not the same thing as having nothing to say."
However, one of the very sad things about being there is learning the stories behind these children's diagnoses. While many of them are genetic deformities, things for which the cause is unknown, there is also a large number of impairments that resulted from abuse. Learning the specifics of certain stories just makes my heart hurt. Stories from unfathomable violence to basic neglect which then resulted in injury were included. In addition, it is so hard to see them continue to suffer due to neglect or lack of financial support. It has made me question what is right in such situations. How is there so much injustice, so much wrong, especially in an area that is so concentrated with members of the Church (who should be the most loving, Christ-like people)? What is the solution to these problems that effect these children's lives? Isn't there a way to care for them in the way they need? Isn't there a way to help families become involved in their child's life? What kind of world do we live in that allows such atrocities to occur?