Individuals with Developmental Disorders Can Enrich Your Life

I once worked with individuals who were mentally retarded or had developmental disorders. I found the experience both enlightening and inspiring. I appreciated each and every individual I worked with in a unique way. It was a great privilege to know these beautiful individual and I was enriched by the opportunity.

The most memorable aspect of these individuals was their joy with life. Never did I ask "How are you doing?" and get a negative answer. The response was always positive. These people with tremendous handicaps would never complain or list their ailments they just smiled and said they were fine. I deducted that when you live with a serious handicap the little discomforts in life are rarely noticed.

Another reason for their joyful attitude was the gratefulness they had toward visitors. These individuals are often isolated with little opportunities to mingle with the average population. The ability to make friends or socialize is limited. A simple visit would light their day. A smile and hardy greeting could always be counted on. Conversation was always interesting and comical on these visits. True mutual admiration was shared.

The important thing to remember when dealing with this special population is that they need time to express themselves. In our fast world it is hard to slow down and give someone time to express their ideas and thoughts. It may take a few minutes longer to sit quietly and listen but when you do you will find a smile on your face. Even the most severely handicapped individuals have a contribution if given the opportunity.

Socialization is important for these individuals. I want to encourage everyone to take the effort to speak to and include any special population individuals they may encounter in the community. Please greet and acknowledge any of the individuals you come in contact with. Be authentic with them. Be yourself. Treat them as you would anyone else. The important thing to remember is that everyone wants to be like everyone else. No one wants to be different. Open yourself up to experience the world and all of the varieties of people in it and you will be rewarded.